After the pre-burn assessment is completed and it is found to be a performable operation, it is then time to carry out the controlled burn. The following guidelines are to help make the burn go smoothly and under control. Remember not to get in a hurry; mistakes can be costly if things are rushed. These guidelines are also in place to help all members of the burn crew be safe and working toward the same goal.
1. First and foremost is the safety of all the members of the Burn Crew. At any time if anyone on site feels there is something unsafe or feels there is a potential for a dangerous situation to arise, the member or members may call a halt to all operations and evaluation of hazard or problem will be done. This includes everything from a sudden change in weather conditions to mechanical failure of any equipment to a fire break out from the burn area.
2. Each member of the burn crew and the customer will have radio communications at all times. FRS/GMRS radios will be the preferred radio system. These radios come in all sizes and are relatively cheap and easy to replace. Also, most of these radios operate on double A or triple A batteries and are also cheap and easy to carry on the fire grounds. Radio call signs will be on a first name basis. If multiple members have the same first name, last names are next to be used.
3. Before each burn, a Burn Boss will be chosen. This person can be but is not limited to the member who has prepared the pre-burn assessment and drawn up the plan to carry out the controlled burn. This can also be the customer, or the most senior member of the crew there. The Burn Boss will have the responsibility of over seeing the operation. The Burn Boss is to keep accountability on personnel, gather up to date weather information and monitor the overall progress of the operation. The Burn Boss will keep in contact with the customer and update them on progress and any changes that might arise. The customer has the ultimate authority on the site and can also call a stop to any or all of the operation.
4. Before each controlled burn, the burn crew and the customer/s will meet at the same area and go over the proposed plan for the operation. This meeting will include going over the entrances, exits, hazards on the burn site, and water point location/s. Also, access to neighboring property should be discussed in case of break out fires outside the burn area. A last check of weather should be done and radio checks done to insure all can communicate. This can also be the time to assign duties to the other members of the crew. The Burn Boss should, during this meeting, make sure the customer has called in to the local authorities for clearance to burn and also contacted the neighbors to advise them of the Operation.
5. Water tanks should be full of water and soap added. Plain dish soap is fine; it breaks the surface tension of the water and helps it to penetrate burning materials. If possible leave a bottle of soap at the water and point and add soap to each fill up.
6. Hand tools may be distributed also. Fire flaps and garden rakes are good backup equipment to ATV/UTV and pickup water tanks. They may be carried on a machine until needed or placed in areas around the fire for easy access in case a problem arises.
7. Drinking water should also be checked and topped off by each member. One of the most common medical emergencies on burn operations is overheating and dehydrating. Drink plenty of water and or Gatorade to stay hydrated and cool.
8. It is preferred to have at least two members together at all times. This allows for more sets of eyes and if one should have mechanical or communications failure the other is there to call for assistance. This is also preferred because if one member runs out of water the other can stay and work the fire line while the other goes for water.
9. Back firing operations should be done with no less than three members. This includes a drip torch operator, initial knock down unit and a mop up unit. Face to face communication can be down for this operation but is not limited to this communication. The drip torch operator should stay aware of fuel level in the drip torch and the distance to lay fire down so as not to over work the two follow up units. A fourth unit may be added to put down an initial wet line ahead of the drip torch to help control the line easier.
10. During the back fire phase of the operation it is necessary to have one or two members on each end of the back fire watch and progress the flank fires along the sides of the burn area. If fuel is sparse and a natural or man made break is present such as a road, green crop, or water feature, then it is acceptable to have only one member work that flank fire. As always, it is at the discretion of the Burn Boss as to how many units it will take.
11. Strip firing can be done also. This reduces the chances of having a large amount of heat and energy build up during the final stages of a controlled burning operation when the head fire is ignited. This can be done by the drip torch operator and at the discretion of the Burn Boss.
12. It will planned that members will work on the back fire assignment for a while and then be rotated to flank fire assignments periodically. This is because typically those working in the initial knock down and mop up assignments are in the heat and smoke more than one on a flank fire assignment.
13. It will also be planned to have one or more units on site in �standby� mode. These units can be utilized for any part of the operation. These units can also rotate through assignments to spell other units. As well, units that are spelled can rotate into the �standby� position until they are needed at another assignment. The �standby� units are also there in case there is a break out fire outside of the burn area. The standby units will respond to assist with extinguishment.
14. The final phase of the controlled burn operation is the lighting of the head fire. It is paramount that all exposures are accounted for and properly prepared for the head fire. THIS IS THE MOST DANGEROUS PORTION OF THE OPERATION! All personnel on the burn site will check in with the burn boss for instructions and to advise them of their location. All units should be on the same end as where the head fire will be lit. Back fire lines and flank fire lines should be well blackened as should burn barriers around any possible exposures. If necessary, the Burn Boss can check these. When in doubt, check it again.
15. This is also a good time to top off all tanks with water and soap. Also, get a drink to fill your own tank. This is no time to get in a hurry.
16. Once all is accounted for, the drip torch operator may lay fire along the last side of the burn site, sending the head fire with the wind toward the blackened areas. The members of the back fire and flank fire assignments should spread out along this side of the burn site and extinguish any fire on the undesired side of the fire line.
17. At the conclusion of the controlled burn, the burn boss or assigned personnel will make one last check of the perimeter for hot spots etc.