**Chapter 14**

**Firefighting Equipment**

**Introduction**

The agency wildland fire program equipment resources include engines,
dozers, water tenders, and other motorized equipment for fire
operations.

**Policy**

Each state/region will comply with established standards for training,
equipment, communications, organization, and operating procedures
required to effectively perform arduous duties in multi-agency
environments and various geographic areas.

Approved foam concentrate may be used to improve the efficiency of
water, except near waterways where accidental spillage or over spray of
the chemical could be harmful to the aquatic ecosystem, or other
identified resource concerns.

**Driving Standard**

Refer to driving standards in Chapter 07.

**Firefighting Engines**

**Operational Procedures**

All engines will be equipped, operated, and maintained within guidelines
established by the Department of Transportation (DOT),
regional/state/local operating plans, and procedures outlined in *BLM
Manual H-9216, Fire Equipment and Supply Management*, or agency
equivalent. All personnel assigned to agency fire engines will meet all
gear weight, cube, and manifest requirements specified in the *National
Mobilization Guide*.

**Fire Engine Staffing**

An ENGB will be with every engine, and the minimum staffing is two
individuals for Type 6 and Type 7 engines.

For Type 3, 4, and 5 engines, minimum staffing is three individuals,
including an Engine Boss.

-   ***BLM -*** *Fire Engine Staffing*

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-   *For BLM engine* *staffing* *requirements see Chapter 2.*

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-   ***FWS -*** *Fire Engine Staffing*

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-   Minimum staffing for Type 4, 5, 6 and 7 engines (on Refuge lands) is
    one ENOP and one FFT2.

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-   ***NPS -*** *Fire Engine Staffing*

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-   For NPS engine staffing requirements see Chapter 3.

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-   ***FS -** A Single Resource Boss may supervise a type 6 or 7
    engine.*

5.  **Engine Typing**

Engine Typing and respective standards are identified in the *NWCG
Fireline Handbook, 410-1.*

**Engine Water Reserve**

Engine Operators will maintain at least 10 percent of the pumpable
capacity of the water tank for emergency engine protection and drafting.

**Chocks**

At least one chock will be carried on each engine and will be properly
utilized whenever the engine is parked or left unattended. This includes
engine operation in a stationary mode without a driver "in place."

**Fire Extinguisher**

All engines will have at least one 5 lb. ABC-rated (minimum) fire
extinguisher, either in full view or in a clearly marked compartment.

**Nonskid Surfaces**

All surfaces will comply with National Fire Protection Association
(*NFPA) 1906 Standards for Wildland Fire Apparatus (6.4.3.)* guidelines.

**First Aid Kit**

Each engine shall carry, in a clearly marked compartment, a fully
equipped 10-person first aid kit.

**Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)**

Each engine will have an annually certified weight slip in the vehicle
at all times. Operators of engines and water tenders must ensure that
the maximum certified GVW is never exceeded, including gear, personnel
and fuel. If the proper number of personnel are not available during the
weighing. The NFPA 1906 standard of 250 pounds for each person and their
personal gear may be used to calculate the loaded weight.

-   ***FS -** Supervisors must ensure that the maximum allowable weight
    of the vehicle is not exceeded. For commercially designed highway
    vehicles used in off-highway applications, the Cargo Load (CL) must
    not exceed 90% of the difference between the Gross Vehicle Weight
    Rating (GVWR) and the vehicle\'s Curb Weight (CW). In numerical
    form:Max CL = .90 (GVWR - CW) -- DP The curb weight (CW) is defined
    as the actual weight of a vehicle including all permanently attached
    items and a full tank of fuel. It does not include the cargo (water,
    tools, supplies, gear, etc), the driver, or passengers. DP is the
    driver and passengers riding in the vehicle. GVWR is the maximum
    weight at which the vehicle is certified to operate. The maximum
    allowable vehicle operating weight is therefore the curb weight plus
    the allowable cargo load. The Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR) shall
    not be exceeded* *under any circumstances.*

**Speed Limits**

Posted speed limits will not be exceeded.

**Lighting**

All new orders for fire engine apparatus will include an overhead
lighting package in accordance with agency standards. Lighting packages
will meet NFPA 1906 standards. Engines currently in service may be
equipped with overhead lighting packages. Lighting packages containing
blue lights are not allowed. Blue lights have been reserved for law
enforcement and must not be used on fire vehicles. A red, white, and
amber combination is the accepted color scheme for fire.

**Emergency Light Use**

Headlights and taillights will be illuminated at all times while the
vehicle is in motion. Emergency lighting will be used only during on
site wildland fire operations or to mitigate serious safety hazards.
Overhead lighting and other emergency lighting must meet state code
requirements, and will be illuminated whenever the visibility is reduced
to less than 300 feet. Blue lights are not acceptable for wildland fire
operations.

-   ***BLM -*** *Emergency lighting may be used during a response to an
    incident or to mitigate serious safety hazards. If emergency
    lighting is to be used it must be approved by State Director and
    meet all state and local emergency services training and
    certification requirements. Overhead lighting and other emergency
    lighting must meet state code requirements.*

-   ***FS -*** *See FSM 5120 and 5135 for red lights and siren policy.*

**Light Use Visibility**

Headlights and taillights shall remain illuminated at all times while
the vehicle is in operation. Overhead lighting (or other appropriate
emergency lights) shall be illuminated whenever visibility is reduced to
less than 300 feet.

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**Fuel Use, Storage and Transportation**

Guidance and direction for the use, storage, and transportation of fuel
can be found in the interagency interim policy *Interagency*
*Transportation Guide* *for Gasoline, Mixed Gas, Drip Torch Fuel, and
Diesel* at:

http://www.fs.fed.us/t-d/fueltran/ (Use t-d as user and password logins)

**Fire Engine Maintenance Procedure and Record**

Apparatus safety and operational inspections will be accomplished either
on a post-fire or daily basis. Offices are required to document these
inspections. Periodic maintenance (as required by the manufacturer)
shall be performed at the intervals recommended and properly documented.
All annual inspections will include a pump gallons per minute (GPM) test
to ensure the pump/plumbing system is operating at desired
specifications.

**Engine Inventories**

An inventory of supplies and equipment carried on each vehicle is
required to maintain accountability and to obtain replacement items lost
or damaged on incidents. The standard inventory for engines is found in
Appendix R

**Water Tenders**

**Water Tender** **Staffing Standards**

**Water Tender** **Non-Tactical**

-   **Qualifications:** CDL (tank endorsement).

-   **Staffing:** A water tender (Support) may be staffed with a crew of
    one driver/operator when it is used in a support role as a fire
    engine refill unit or for dust abatement. These operators do not
    have to pass the Work Capacity Test (WCT) but are required to take
    annual refresher training.

**Water Tender** **Tactical**

Tactical use is defined as "direct fire suppression missions such as
pumping hoselays, live reel use, running attack, and use of spray bars
and monitors to suppress fires."

-   **Qualifications:** ENOP, CDL (tank endorsement)

-   **Staffing:** Tactical water tenders will carry a minimum crew of
    two:

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-   One ENOP

-   One Engine Module Member

**Dozers/Tractor Plows**

**Dozer/Tractor Plow Training and Qualifications**

Agency personnel assigned as dozer/tractor plow operators will meet the
training standards for a Firefighter 2 (FFT2). This includes all safety
and annual refresher training. While on fire assignments, all operators
and support crew will meet PPE requirements including the use of aramid
fiber clothing, hard hats, fire shelters, boots, etc.

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**Dozer/Tractor Plow Physical Fitness Standards**

-   ***BLM -** All employee dozer/tractor plow operators will meet the
    WCT requirements at the Moderate level before accepting fire
    assignments.*

-   ***FWS -*** *See the Fire Management Handbook*

-   ***FS -** FS dozer operators refer to 5134.32.*

**Dozer/Tractor Plow Operational Procedures**

-   Agency owned and operated dozer/tractor plows will be equipped with
    programmable two-way radios, configured to allow the operator to
    monitor radio traffic.

-   Agency dozer/tractor plows with non-red carded operators and all
    contract dozer/tractor plows will have agency supplied supervision
    when assigned to any suppression operations.

-   Contract or offer-for-hire dozers must also be provided with radio
    communications, either through a qualified dozer/tractor plow boss
    or an agency-supplied radio. Contract dozer/tractor plows will meet
    the specifications identified in their agreement/contract.

-   Operators of dozer/tractor plows and transport equipment will meet
    DOT certifications and requirements regarding the use and movement
    of heavy equipment, including driving limitations, CDL requirements,
    and pilot car use.

**All Terrain Vehicles (ATV)/Utility-Terrain Vehicles (UTV)**

The operation of ATV/UTV can be high risk and their use needs to be
evaluated to determine if it is essential to accomplish the mission and
not as a matter of convenience.

Because of the high risk nature, agencies have developed specific
operational policy (refer to current agency policy). Common policy
requirements for wildland fire operations are highlighted below:

-   Specific authorization for ATV/UTV use is required.

-   All personnel authorized to operate an ATV/UTV must first complete
    agency specific or manufacturers training in safe operating
    procedures and appropriate PPE.

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-   Re-evaluation/Re-certification - Operators shall be re-evaluated
    every three years. Infrequent users (less than 16 hours of riding a
    year) shall have a check ride prior to scheduled use of an ATV/UTV.

    **Required PPE includes:**

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-   ATV Helmet - Helmets meeting DOT, ANSI-90, or SNELL M-95 are
    required.

-   Helmets worn by wildland firefighters on fire line duty must be
    lined by Nomex©/Aramid type fire-resistant material.

-   Use of half "shorty" helmets require a JHA/RA for fireline use and
    must include justification for its use. Refer to MTDC Tech Tip
    publication, A Helmet for ATV Operators with Fireline Duties
    (0651-2350-MTDC).

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-   ***NPS*** *- Helmets worn by wildland firefighters on fire line duty
    must be lined by Nomex©/Aramid type fire-resistant material.
    Approved flight helmets such as SPH-4, SPH-5, or other comparable
    flight helmets are also authorized until September 30, 2009.*

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-   UTV Head Protection - Helmets meeting DOT, ANSI-90, or SNELL M-95
    approved are required unless:

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-   Cab/brush cage is permanently installed on the vehicle then a hard
    hat meeting NFPA 1977 and ANSI Z 89.1 standards may be worn with
    chin straps secured in place under chin.

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-   ***BLM -*** *UTV is equipped with Roll over protection system (ROPS)
    and is operated on moderate terrain at moderate speeds then a hard
    hat* *meeting NFPA 1977 and ANSI Z 89.1 standards may be worn with
    chin straps secured in place under chin.*

-   ***BLM -*** *Administrative use (low speeds on smooth travel
    surfaces), e.g. campgrounds, base camps; UTV operators are not
    required to wear hard hats or a helmet.*

-   ***NPS -*** *Approved helmets are required for UTV operations that
    are rated moderate (amber) or high (red) using the "ORV Risk
    Assessment Tool" included in the NPS Off-Highway Vehicle Policy*

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-   eye protection (goggles, face shield, or safety glasses) based upon
    JHA/RA.

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-   leather gloves

-   yellow aramid shirt

-   aramid trousers

-   wildland fire boots

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-   ATV/UTV operator shall carry a personal communication device (e.g.
    two-way radio, cellular phone, or satellite phone).

-   ATV - do not carry passengers on ATVs.

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-   UTV - carry no more passengers in a UTV than the number of seats
    installed by the manufacturer. The operator and each passenger must
    have their own seatbelt and it must be fastened at all times when
    the vehicle is in motion.

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-   Loads shall be mounted and secured as to not affect the vehicle's
    center of gravity. See agency specific policy for hauling liquid
    cargo.

-   Load weights shall not exceed manufacturer's recommendations.

-   ATV/UTV loading and transport - see agency specific policy.

-   A JHA/RA must be completed and approved by the supervisor prior to
    vehicle operation.

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-   ***BLM -** Refer to BLM* *Manual 1112-1, Chapter 27 Off-Highway
    Vehicles* *. http://web.blm.gov/internal/wo-700/wo740/policy.html*

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-   ***FS -** Refer to* *Refer to ID 6709.11-2008-2*

-   ***FWS -** Refer to Service Manual 243 FW 6 Off Road Utility Vehicle
    Safety.*

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-   ***NPS-*** *Refer to Reference Manual50B Occupational Health and
    Safety, draft Section 6.1 Off-Highway Vehicle Safety
    http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?lv=2&prg=46&id=5898.*

**Vehicle Cleaning/Noxious Weed Prevention**

To reduce the transport, introduction, and establishment of noxious
weeds or other biological contaminants on the landscape due to fire
suppression activities, fire suppression and support vehicles should be
cleaned at a designated area prior to arriving and leaving the incident.
Onsite fire equipment should be used to thoroughly clean the
undercarriage, fender wells, tires, radiator, and exterior of the
vehicle. The cleaning area should also be clearly marked to identify the
area for post fire control treatments, as needed.

[]{.mark}

**Fire Remote Automated Weather Stations**

Fire Remote Automated Weather Stations (FRAWS) are portable weather
stations that pack up into a single container and may be utilized in any
location to monitor local weather conditions. FRAWS are intended for use
on or near the fireline and are rapidly relocated to points desired by
Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN) for real time weather data.

National resource FRAWS systems are cached at the National Interagency
Fire Center (NIFC) and may be ordered through standard equipment
resource ordering systems. Maintenance and recalibration of these
stations must be coordinated with the NIFC Remote Sensing/Fire Weather
Support Unit (RSFWSU).

**Fuel Use, Storage and Transportation**

Guidance and direction for the use, storage, and transportation of fuel
can be found in the interagency interim policy "Interagency Fuel
Transportation Guide" at: http://www.fs.fed.us/t-d/fueltran/. (Use t-d
as user and password logins)

**Aerial Ignition Devices**

Information on types of aerial ignition devices, operational guidelines
and personnel qualifications may be found in the Interagency Aerial
Ignition Guide.

**Ground Ignition Devices**

-   ***BLM -** Guidance and direction for use and procurement of
    approved ground ignition equipment and the transportation and
    dispensing of drip torch fuel can be found in* *the Drip Torch Fuel
    Transportation and Dispensing Direction.*

-   ***NPS -** Agency direction may be found in the 04/04/03 Memorandum
    Y14 (9560) Aerial and Ground Ignition Equipment.*

-   ***FWS -** specific information on ignition devices may be found in
    the January 28, 2003 Memorandum: "Direction for Use and Purchase of
    Aerial and Ground Ignition Equipment."*

-   ***FS -** direction is found in FSH 5109.32a and 6709.11.*