S330 Task Force Leader Pre Engagement Unit 1

S-330 Task Force Leader Pre- Engagement Unit 1 – Pre-Engagement responsibilities

S-330 Task Force Leader Unit 2 Objectives • • Understanding Delegated Objectives Various planning functions Significance of time frames Leaders intent Communications Heavy Equipment considerations Safety Unit 1 – Pre-Engagement responsibilities

S-330 Task Force Leader Planning Dig the well before you are thirsty Unit 1 – Pre-Engagement responsibilities

S-330 Task Force Leader Focus planning on achieving delegated objectives What does this mean for a TFL? • • Objectives directed from supervisor (IC, Div. Sup, ZWCO, FC) Eg. ensure 100 ft wet line along dozer guard Eg. ensure fire is 100% extinguished Eg. contain fire then turnover to landowner The overall “delegated objective, ” should influence the planning process in an attempt to achieve that objective. Unit 1 – Pre-Engagement responsibilities

S-330 Task Force Leader Planning Objective: to be able to describe key operational and logistical factors associated with TFL level planning A large part of being a TFL is looking ahead and planning for the next operational periods The planning process involves considering needs from the following ICS sections: Operations Plans Logistics Air Finance Unit 1 – Pre-Engagement responsibilities

S-330 Task Force Leader Operational Planning Describe key operational and logistical factors associated with TFL level planning • Objectives – – – Specific (clearly explained and understood) Measurable (what does the end result look like? ) Attainable (can they be done with the resources available? ) Realistic (are they/you asking too much? ) Time (when should they be achieved? ) • Strategy - a plan of action or policy designed to achieve a major or overall aim • Tactics – What strategies will you implement to ensure these objectives are met? – OSWS – what specific safety considerations are there? (hazards, fire behaviour, terrain etc) Unit 1 – Pre-Engagement responsibilities

S-330 Task Force Leader What essential pieces of information should be observed and conveyed through a recon flight? § LACES § Resources § § § § § natural – water, fuel breaks heavy equipment air support crews Control lines Objectives Projected time frames Pick up location(s) Contingency pick up Hazards Unit 1 – Pre-Engagement responsibilities

S-330 Task Force Leader Initial Assessment of Strike Team/Task Force • • • Physical/mental condition Contract Inspection Qualifications and experience level Identify trainees Ensure each resource has assigned order and request number. • Obtain manifests for assigned resources. – Record names and numbers of single resource bosses and all personnel, unit designators Unit 1 – Pre-Engagement responsibilities

S-330 Task Force Leader Logistical Planning Describe key operational and logistical factors associated with TFL level planning § § § § § meals (for night ops/) portable toilets lodging, fuel drinking water warehouse needs FA coverage Contract Crews Heavy Equipment What else? Unit 1 – Pre-Engagement responsibilities

S-330 Task Force Leader Identify and correct potential logistical issues What potential problems can a TFL face in regards to logistics? What can you do to mitigate or prevent these problems from occurring? Unit 1 – Pre-Engagement responsibilities

S-330 Task Force Leader Plans Section Specific Functions • Resources – Availability (what do you have access to? ) – Adequacy (what is going to do the best job? ) – Allocation (where are you going to place resources? ) – Longevity (How long will you need resources? ) – Future considerations (What are you going to need? ) Unit 1 – Pre-Engagement responsibilities

S-330 Task Force Leader Understand the importance of identifying and communicating time frames Time may be the single most important element in the planning process. It may be easy to know when objectives need to be completed The difficult part is determining how long specific tasks are going to take to complete those objectives Unit 1 – Pre-Engagement responsibilities

S-330 Task Force Leader How can you determine timeframes for tasks when planning? • Experience - What have you learned from other fires? – Fuel types – Terrain – Fire behaviour – Weather – Resource capabilities • Observations – Do you know your crews and operators? – Have you seen them work before? Unit 1 – Pre-Engagement responsibilities

S-330 Task Force Leader Once you have an idea of how long it will take, how will you communicate this ? • Briefings – Objectives with timeframes – Ask for affirmation on tasks and times • Updates – Monitor progress and adapt if needed – DON’T like communication piece – Will be covered in Communications? Unit 1 – Pre-Engagement responsibilities

S-330 Task Force Leader Clear objectives = Well executed tactics Leaders Intent: At the heart of every briefing conducted for a group or individual is the purpose or objectives of the assignment. This is called "Leader's Intent. " Leaders must communicate the purpose of a chosen action or direction so those being briefed have a clear understanding of the desired end state of an assignment. Clear and concise, the leader's intent includes a mission's overall purpose and expected results. With clearly communicated purpose and direction, followers can understand what they must do and why. Unit 1 – Pre-Engagement responsibilities

S-330 Task Force Leaders Intent • Task: – What it is to be done, or the ‘objectives’ • Purpose: – Why it is to be done, or ‘sense-making’ • End State: – What it does success look like, or ‘goal’ Unit 1 – Pre-Engagement responsibilities

S-330 Task Force Leader What information should you consider when choosing a tactic? • • • Resources available Logistical concerns Safety is it worth protecting/ risk analysis? Feasibility Anticipated Fire Behaviour Weather forecast (even extended forecast) • Terrain and fuel types • Special Values Unit 1 – Pre-Engagement responsibilities

S-330 Task Force Leader What are the Planning differences between: Contained vs Uncontained Fire • Uncontained – – – – – Establish Objectives Recce – assessment Strategy (in/direct) Hazard assess/mitigate Containment Suppression Mop-up Patrol Demob Rehab Unit 1 – Pre-Engagement responsibilities • Contained – – – Establish Objectives Mop-up Patrol Demob Rehab

S-330 Task Force Leader Ensure Clear Objective(s) • Direct or parallel attack • Frequency and size of safety zones • Escape routes • Start and stop points/times Unit 1 – Pre-Engagement responsibilities

S-330 Task Force Leader Identify key factors that influence control line construction and placement • Intent • Hazards • Expected Fire Behaviour • Suitable Terrain/Fuel type • Personnel and Resources • Ability to Support the Guard • Chance of Success • Safety (LACES) • Others? Unit 1 – Pre-Engagement responsibilities

S-330 Task Force Leader Communication If you consider yourself to be a poor communicator, at the very least. . . . BE ORGANIZED !! • • Have a plan Create clear objectives Have deadlines/timeframes Think about what the finished product should look like Unit 1 – Pre-Engagement responsibilities

S-330 Task Force Leader Communication Identify and describe important information in all sections of the IAP Unit 1 – Pre-Engagement responsibilities

S-330 Task Force Leader IAP Continued • Safety protocols – Hazards – Communications – Med Ops Plan • • • Unit 1 – Pre-Engagement responsibilities Daily Objectives Weather updates Fire behaviour Maps Org Chart(s) Contacts/Call Signs Resources Important Co-ordinates Demob plans

S-330 Task Force Leader Communication Who has conducted briefings? Unit 1 – Pre-Engagement responsibilities

S-330 Task Force Leader As a TFL, what types of briefings/ debriefings will you be delivering? Unit 1 – Pre-Engagement responsibilities

S-330 Task Force Leader How do you measure a briefing’s success? How can you ensure a briefing will be successful? Unit 1 – Pre-Engagement responsibilities

S-330 Task Force Leader Factors to consider when utilizing Heavy Equipment on the Fire Line Unit 1 – Pre-Engagement responsibilities

S-330 Task Force Leader Heavy Equipment Determine heavy equipment quality by evaluating important components • In most cases this is not the responsibility of the TFL HOWEVER • TFLs should be aware of unsafe components on Heavy Equipment Unit 1 – Pre-Engagement responsibilities

S-330 Task Force Leader Common Indicators of Poor Maintenance • • • Badly worn or broken cutting edges Frayed cables Oil or water leaks Damaged or leaking hydraulic hoses or rams Track grousers badly worn, bent or missing track shoes Too much slack in tracks Badly worn rails, rollers, idlers, and sprockets Excessive “knocking” of boom and other attachments Missing/broken “teeth” on buckets or other attachments Too much smoke in exhaust Damaged sheet metal or glass Loose or missing guards Unit 1 – Pre-Engagement responsibilities � � � � � Excessive wear or bad cuts in tires. Cracked welds FOPS/ROPS certificate missing Non-functioning gauges Excavator that is unable to perform more than one function simultaneously (I. E. swing and extended) Chokers and mainline should be in good conditions and generally free of frays. “Jerry rigged” temporary repairs Missing or loose bolts Worn Corner Bits

S-330 Task Force Leader Determine operator suitability How do you know if an operator is suitable for the job? • Quality check prior to hire • Observing his/her work • Asking the comfort level of the operator If you know who the more experienced and qualified operators are, use them to their full potential Unit 1 – Pre-Engagement responsibilities

S-330 Task Force Leader Safety Describe safety procedures associated with BCWS’s chainsaw operations Unit 1 – Pre-Engagement responsibilities

S-330 Task Force Leader Chainsaw Safety continued § Identify qualified site supervisor § Ensure proper PPE § Record keeping up-to-date § § § Logbooks Field Learning Plans Certification 47 page evaluation (old ESC) Faller and Bucker inspections § Establish check in procedures § Daily briefings § Address hazards § Ensure consistency for site marking protocols for DTA/DTF § DTA § § Completed/Re-assessed Documented and submitted Unit 1 – Pre-Engagement responsibilities

S-330 Task Force Leader TFL opportunity Sitkum Creek Fire Unit 1 – Pre-Engagement responsibilities