Standard Fire Fighting Orders

[Dalmation90]

And I don't care if you in a living forest, or a dead forest of studs and trusses...these are still the simplest, best SOPs I've ever seen.

I found these in the book Young Men & Fire, by Norman MacLean -- Amazon link is http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0226500624/o/qid=933020004/sr=8-1/002-2607979-7505235

I remembered them the other day when an email asked about the 50th anniversary in August of the Mann Gulch fire, which is the subject of the book. Mann Gulch and Storm King Mountain where seperated by some 45 years and maybe a thousand miles, but the tragedy of each is amazingly similiar in it's roots.


U.S. Forest Service
Standard Fire Fighting Orders

1. Fire Weather.
Keep informed of the fire weather conditions and predictions.

2. Instructions.
Know exactly what my instructions are and follow them at all times.

3. Right things first.
Identify the key points of my assignment and take action in order of priority.

4. Escape plan.
Have an escape plan in mind and direct subordinates in event of a blow-up.

5. Scouting.
Thoroughly scout the fire areas for which I am responsible.

6. Communication.
Establish and maintain regular communication with adjoining forces, subordinates, and superior officers.

7. Alertness.
Quickly recognize changed conditions and immediately revise plans to handle.

8. Lookout.
Post a lookout for every possible dangerous situation.

9. Discipline.
Establish and maintain control of all men under my supervision and at all times know where they are and what they are doing.

10. Supervision.
Be sure the men I commit to any fire job have clear instructions and adequate overhead.

*Overhead is support like aerial observers, base camp command & control, and weather forecasters.

[Captain Hickman]

Another way to remember the 10 Basic FIRE ORDERS is to remember:
F - Fight fire aggressively, but provide for safety first.
I - Initiate all action based on current and expected fire behavior.
R - Recognize current weather conditions and obtain forecasts. (even on Haz-Mat)
E - Ensure instructions are given and understood. (communicate 1 to 1 if possible and question if needed)

O - Obtain current information on fire status.
R - Remain in communication with crew members, your supervisor, and adjoining forces. (communicate, but don't take it to death)
D - Determine safety zones and escape routes. (Safety first)
E - Establish lookouts in potentially hazardous situation. (good old 2in-2 out)
R - Retain control at all times. (incident command)
S - Stay Alert, Keep Calm, Think Clearly, Act Decisively. (Again, don't let your ass..ets out run you brains)

It maybe a little more to remember these 10 Simple Orders, but they can be used on any incident: structural, natural, or man-made.

[This message has been edited by Captain Hickman (edited September 12, 1999).]