Firefighting Orders and Watch Out Situations

Overview

• The 10 Standard Firefighting Orders were developed in 1957 to prevent firefighter injuries and fatalities.
• The 18 Watch-Out Situations are cautionary and specific, designed to be used alongside the 10 Orders to reduce firefighting risks.

10 Standard Firefighting Orders

Fire Behavior

1. Stay informed about fire weather conditions and forecasts.
2. Monitor the fire's activity continuously.
3. Base actions on the current and expected fire behavior.

Fireline Safety

4. Identify and communicate escape routes and safety zones.
5. Deploy lookouts when there is a threat.
6. Remain alert, calm, think clearly, and act decisively.

Organizational Control

7. Ensure prompt communication with your team, supervisors, and nearby forces.
8. Provide clear instructions and ensure they are understood.
9. Maintain control over your team at all times.

General

10. Fight fires aggressively, prioritizing safety.

18 Fire Watch-Out Situations

1. Fire hasn’t been scouted or assessed.
2. Operating in unfamiliar terrain, especially if unseen in daylight.
3. Safety zones and escape routes not established.
4. Unfamiliarity with weather and local factors affecting fire behavior.
5. Lack of information on strategy, tactics, and hazards.
6. Instructions and assignments are unclear.
7. Absence of communication links with crew or supervisor.
8. Building lines without a safe anchor point.
9. Constructing firelines downhill with fire below.
10. Attempting a frontal assault on a fire.
11. Presence of unburned fuel between you and the fire.
12. Inability to see the main fire or communicate with someone who can.
13. Working on a hillside with rolling materials that may ignite fuel below.
14. Weather conditions becoming hotter and drier.
15. Wind increases or changes direction.
16. Frequent spot fires across lines.
17. Terrain and fuels hinder escape to safety zones.
18. Taking naps near the fireline.

Additional Resources

• Articles on wildland fire safety and equipment, such as fire engines and fire buckets.
• National Park Service offers an app for navigation and information.

Tags

• Wildland fire
• Fire safety
• Firefighter safety
• Fire season