FSC 160 - Wildland Firefighting

1. Identify and describe the contributing factors and indicators that affect the start, spread and rapid increase of wildland fire for the safe and effective fire management activities.
2. Demonstrate knowledge in the preparation and proper and safe use of all common PPE, tools, resources and equipment used in effective fire management activities
3. Demonstrate knowledge in all NWCG created safety tools designed to insure adequate hazard assessment and clear communications.
4. Demonstrate knowledge in the national, state and local agencies organization and resource deployment   utilized in the control of wildfire.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of wildfire suppression strategy and tactics.
6. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of common non-wildland fire related exposures, including threatened structures and hazardous material, which commonly complicate or threaten the wildland fire arena.

1. Discuss the relationship between State and local government wildland firefighting organizations and the federal wildland firefighting organizations.
2. Identify and discuss: the three sides of the fire triangle; the environmental factors of wildland fire behavior that affect the start and spread of wildland fires; and the situations that indicate problem or extreme for behavior.
3. Demonstrate the use of portable weather equipment.
4. Identify parts of a fire and define fire behavior and other useful firefighting terms.
5. Explain the importance of the proper use and maintenance of assigned Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
6. List the benefits of maintaining a high level of physical fitness and health and staying hydrated can reduce firefighting fatigue.
7. Demonstrate knowledge of the National Interagency Incident Management System (NIIMS), Incident Command System (ICS) and the firefighter’s chain of command as it relates to an incident.
8. Demonstrate familiarity with the Fireline Handbook and Incident Response Pocket Guide, identifying types and cultural differences of resources utilized in wildland fire operations.
9. Identify the Watch Out Situations and common denominators on tragedy fires.
10. Apply the appropriate Standard Firefighting Orders to minimize the potential for serious injury or death.
11. Describe how Lookouts, Communications, Escape Routes and Safety Zones (LCES) is related to the Standard Firefighting Orders (SFO).
12. Discuss the function, inspection and care of the fire shelter and demonstrate its proper deployment and use.
13. Identify safety hazards and explain how Human Factors, Situational Awareness, Risk Management, communications, and teamwork affect the risk of injury.
14. Identify safety procedures as applicable to travel to and from the fire.
15. Demonstrate the proper use, handling and maintenance of commonly used hand tools.
16. Demonstrate the proper use, handling and maintenance of commonly used fire ignitions tools.
17. Identify and demonstrate the proper use, handling and care of commonly used water tools including the backpack pump, fire hose lines, and couplings, adaptors and accessories.
18. Describe and demonstrate hose lay and fire stream methods.
19. Describe the methods and hazards of suppressing wild fires utilizing various fire control lines and identify threats to the fire line and personnel.
20. Describe coordination techniques of crews and explain tactical considerations utilizing various resources.
21. Describe a systematic method of locating spot fires and other considerations when patrolling a fire.
22. Describe the proper procedures, use, and care of radio equipment.
23. Explain the importance of and techniques for mop up of a wildland fire.
24. Explain the importance of an “After action Review” and how it relates to the Wildland Firefighter.
25. Explain the general guidelines when reacting to a possible hazardous materials emergency.
26. Identify the wildland/urban interface watch out situations and personnel safety concerns in wildland/urban interface fires.
27. Demonstrate the proper set up and operation of a portable pump
28. Find a geographic location on a map and determine the legal description, as defined by the Public Land Survey System, and vice versa.

1. Course Introduction and Overview of Wildland Firefighting
   1. Introduction of course, instructors, students, and course requirements
   2. Operation of state firefighting organizations
   3. Interagency relationships
   4. Role of local fire department
2. Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior
   1. Basic fire behavior concepts
      1. Fire triangle
      2. Heat transfer
      3. Fuels
   2. Topography
   3. Fire weather
3. Fire Terminology
   1. Parts of the fire
   2. Fire behavior terms
   3. Other useful terms in firefighting
4. Firefighter Preparedness
   1. PPE
   2. Accountability
   3. Physical fitness
   4. Hydration
   5. Personal and camp hygiene
5. Incident Command System (ICS)
   1. Chain of command
   2. ICS structure
   3. Responsibilities of each ICS sections
6. Resource Classification
   1. Crew typing
   2. Machine typing
   3. Cultural differences
7. Firefighter Safety
   1. Watch outs situations and standard fire orders
   2. Common denominators of tragedy fires
   3. LCES
   4. Fire shelter deployment
   5. Human factors
      1. Communications
      2. Situational awareness
      3. Risk management
8. Travel Safety
   1. Travel to and from fire assignments
   2. Various modes of transportation
9. Hand Tools
   1. Use
   2. Care
   3. Maintenance
10. Ignition Devices
    1. Fuse
    2. Drip torch
11. Water Tools
    1. hoses
    2. backpack pumps
    3. appliances
12. Suppression
    1. methods of attack
    2. suppression techniques
    3. coordinated crew techniques
    4. engine tactics
    5. retardant operations
13. Patrol and Communications
    1. Patrol considerations
    2. Radio(s) use and procedures
14. Mop Up
    1. Dry mop up
    2. Wet mop up
    3. Machine piles
    4. Cold trailing
15. Practical Skills Lab
    1. Fire shelter drill and deployment
    2. Fireline construction and hand tool maintenance
    3. Portable pump operations
    4. Progressive hose lays
16. Hazardous Material
    1. Guidelines
    2. Clues for detection
17. Wildland and Urban Interface (WUI)
    1. WUI Watch Outs
    2. Safety considerations
18. Portable Pumps
    1. Types
    2. PPE
19. Locating and Reporting a Fire
    1. Maps and mapping systems
    2. Standard mapping symbols and legends
    3. Public land survey system and legal descriptions
    4. Land ownership, geographic locations, and acreage estimations
    5. Fire reporting information and recordkeeping