Firefighters' Pocket Book

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com/
NSW
RURAL FIRE SERVICE
FIREFIGHTERS’
POCKET BOOK
December 2004
http://boilersinfo.com/
Foreword
In the field there are a number of important things all firefighters need to
know; from basic safety to vehicle and officer recognition. This pocketbook is
designed to provide you with a fast, easy reference guide to these and other
important facts you will need at your fingertips.
Whilst some of the information contained is in summary form and is ‘rule of
thumb’, it is sufficient for you to make operational decisions. It has been
developed by firefighters, for firefighters and is concise, relevant and rugged
enough for you to take with you anywhere.
I would encourage you to keep this pocketbook with you at all times; you never
know when the information may be of use to you and your crewmates.
The pocketbook is also available on the internet at http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au
This pocketbook will also be reviewed periodically, so any suggestions for
improvements should be forwarded to Chief Superintendent, Alan Brinkworth,
Manager Operations, Policy and Standards at alan.brinkworth@rfs.nsw.gov.au
Phil Koperberg AO, AFSM, BEM

Commissioner
December 2004 ~ Version 1.0 NSW Rural Fire Service

Index 1 NSW Rural Fire Service
Index 1
Accident . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51,76,77 Colour Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36,50,72
Acronyms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,2,3 Combat Agencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95
AFFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54 Combat Agency Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94,95
Agency Liaison Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75 Communications Colour Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
Aircraft Callsigns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Communications Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73
Aircraft Hand Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44,45,46 Communications Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74
Aircraft Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 Construction Rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87
Aircraft Water Bombing Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Conversion Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .108
Alphabet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71 Convoy Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
ARSO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 CPR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Assessing Fine Fuel Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85 Crimes Act 1900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Australian Road Rules 1999 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13,14 Critical Incident Support Services (CISS) . . . . . .78
Authority Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Curing Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83
Authority of Officers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15,16,17 Dangerous Goods Classes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Beaufort Scale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Date Time Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Bee Sting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Dead Man Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
BFFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73,80,81
Biological Terrorism Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Dehydration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Bleeding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Displan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94,95
Brassards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102,103 Divisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67,68
Briefing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 DRABC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30,31,32,33,34
Bulldozers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87 Draughting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
Burns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12,13,14,70
Bush Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82 DTG – Date Time Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Bush Fire Classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 EAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Bush Fire Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80,81 Electricity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24,25,26,27,28,29
Bush Fire Mapping Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62,63 Emergency Procedure, Bush or Structure Fire . . .6
Bush Fire Personal Protective Equipment . . . . . . .4 Epaulettes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96,97
Bush Fire Survival if in a Building . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Estimating Degree of Slope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86
Bush Fire Survival if in a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Estimating Fuel Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85
Bush Fire Survival if on Foot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Explosive Devices & Suspicious Packages . . . . .23
Callsigns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Extinguishers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Category 1,2,7,9, Pumper . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106,107 FDI/FDR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Chaplaincy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79 Finding North/South . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105
Chemical Terrorism Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Fire Area Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88
CISS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78 Fire Bombing Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Classes of Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37,38 Fire Classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37,38
Index 2
Fire Danger Index and Rating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 Incident Management Team (IMT) . . . . . . . . . . .68
Fire Extinguishers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 LACES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Firefighter Skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 Large Incident . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66
Fire Investigation and Scene Preservation . . . . .35 Lateral Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30,34
Fire Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 Log Books . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
First Aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30,31,32,33,34 Low Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90,91
Foam Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54 Machine Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87
Fractures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Magnetic North . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
Frequencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74,75 Map (State) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65,88
Friction Loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58 Map Marking Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63
Fronts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91 Mapping Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62,63
Fuel Assessment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85 Map Referencing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
Fuel Containers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Map Scales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
Fuel Moisture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84 Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
Funnel Web Bite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Medium Incident . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66
Graders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87 MVA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51,76,77
Grassland Curing Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83 North . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105
Grid and Magnetic North . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60 Nozzle Pressures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58,59
Grid Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61 NSW Fire Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88,89
Ground to Air Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 Offensive Personal Protective Equipment . . . . . . .5
Guiding Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52,53 Operations Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93
Hand Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44,45,46,52,53,57 Organisational Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92
HazChem Scale for Fire or Spillage . . . . . . . . . . .18 Parts of a Bush Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82
HazMat/Terrorism Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . .20,21 Personal Protective Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4,5
Heart Attack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Phoenetic Alphabet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
Heat Exhaustion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Pole Top Fires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Heat Stress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Powers of Officers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15,16,17
Heat Stroke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 PPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4,5
Helicopter Marshalling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44,45,46 Pressures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58,59
Helicopter Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 Pumper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107
Helmet Colours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98,99,100,101 Pump Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
High Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90 Radioactive Terrorism Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Hoses and Pressures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58,59 Radio Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Hydrant Markers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 Radio Networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74
ICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66,67,68 Ranking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96,97
I’M SAFE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Recovery Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30,34
Incident Control System (ICS) . . . . . . . . . .66,67,68 Redback Spider Bite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

Index 3
Regions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 Structural Fires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Resource Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 Structural Personal Protective Equipment . . . . . . .5
Responding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12,13 Substations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Response Team Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 Survival if in a Building . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Road Transport (Safety and Traffic Survival if in a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Management) Act 1999 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Survival if on Foot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
RRAPID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Suspicious Packages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Rural Fires Act, September 1997 . . . . . . . .16,17,38 SWS Marker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Rural Fire Service Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92,93 Tabards and Brassards . . . . .51,78,79,102,103,104
Safe Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12,13,14 Tactical Aircraft Callsigns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
Safe Working on Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 Tanker Categories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106,107
Safety Vests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51,104 Tanker Protection System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
Scales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71 Task Force . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
Scene Preservation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 T Card Colour Coding Identification . . . . . . . . . . .50
Sectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67,68 T Card Resource Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Seizure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 T Card Single Resource . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
Service Vehicle Involved in an Accident . . . . . . .77 Terrorism Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20,21,22,23
Severe Bleeding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Toban Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88,89
Severed Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Traffic Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13,14
Shock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Trail Construction Rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87
Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41,44,45,46,52,53,57 Transmission Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
SitRep/Situation Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Two Piece Uniform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 Urine Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Slope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86 USAR Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .108,109
Small Incident . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66 Vehicle Accident . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
SMEACS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Vehicle Categories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50,106,107
Snake and Spider Bites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33,34 Vehicle Checking Stations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
South . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105 Very Large Incident . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
Spider Bites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33,34 Volume of Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
State Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 Wasp Sting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
State Emergency and Rescue Management Water Bombing Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Act 1989 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94 Water Supply Hand Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
State Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65,88 Weather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90,91
Step Potential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Winds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47,90,91
Storm Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Wind Scale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
Strike Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 Working on Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
Stroke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
I’M SAFE – should I respond to an incident?

Illness or Injury Am I sufficiently recovered?
Medication Am I under the effect of any medication?
Stress Am I under severe stress from work or personal worries?
Alcohol or Drugs Am I under the influence or badly hung over?
Fatigue Am I tired and not adequately rested?
Expertise Am I currently competent?
LACES
Firefighter
Lookouts Everybody looks out for everybody else
Everybody is aware of the current and anticipated behaviour
Awareness
of the fire and other incident hazards and precautions
Communications Everybody speaks up about what is happening and their
concerns at the incident and everybody listens
Escape Route Everybody has an ‘out’ planned and agreed
Everybody helps everybody to survive. Everybody supports
Safety Refuge the decision to get clear of a hazard
Crew Leader
Assign a “lookout” to a safe vantage point in communication
Lookouts
with crew leader
Awareness Terrain, weather, fire behaviour, the task and nearby activities
Communications Maintain suitable radio or other contact
Escape Route Suitable escape route/s checked and known by all crew
Safety Refuge Suitable, large enough, close enough and free of hazards
Acronyms ~ I’M SAFE / LACES NSW Rural Fire Service 1

Acronyms ~ RRAPID / ARSO / DTG NSW Rural Fire Service 2
RRAPID
Reaction Mobilise resources to incident or staging area
Reconnaissance Collect data about the situation and resources
Choose a course of action based on the likely scenario,
Appreciation
best and worst case scenario
Develop and document a plan based on your chosen
Plan
course of action
Issue Orders Use the SMEACS format
Deployment Execute and monitor deployment to the plan
ARSO – your priorities at an indicent

Arrival & What you and your crew do as you arrive at a particular
Approach type of fire or incident including your own safety
Rescue What you and your crew do to safely protect people at the
fire or incident
What you and your crew do to safely protect items of
Suppression
economic, environmental, cultural or personal value
What you and your crew do to safely help people and the
Overhaul
area affected by the fire or incident to return to normal
DTG ~ Date Time Group

Abbreviated Date Time Group uses two digits for the date and 24 hour time
Example: 10:51 on 1 October 2005 would be 01 1051
Full Date Time Group uses date, time, month and year
Example: 10:51 on 26 January 2005 would be 26 1051 JAN 05
SMEACS – a briefing sequence

Current and Predicted – incident details, what is at risk,
Situation topography, weather, fire behaviour, hazard risks, resources
deployed, en route or available
Objectives – overall or specific, who/what is savable,
Mission
where to stop fire/incident
Strategy and Tactics – task allocation, timing and safety
Execution
considerations
Assistance and Logistics – what support is needed,
Administration staging areas, personnel, fuel, food, water, facilities,
information, where/when/quantity
Command, Control and Communications – organisation,
Command divisions, sectors, chain of command, communications plan,
channels and procedures
Safety Safety Hazards LACES checklist
Briefing – at large incidents

Stage Management of Briefing
• Identify the various leaders in command
• Brief all relevant key personnel
• Make sure that everyone can see and hear
• State that questions can be asked at the end
• Effectively manage interruptions
• Handout relevant part/s of Incident Action Plan
• Handout map/s
• Be brief, accurate and confident
• Brief keeping strictly to the SMEACS format
Acronym ~ SMEAC, Briefing NSW Rural Fire Service 3

PPE 1 ~ Bush Fire NSW Rural Fire Service 4
Personal Protective Equipment 1

(PPE) Garments are not to be modified or changed
Bush fire personal protective It is advisable to carry:
equipment to be worn:
• helmet, correctly marked, chin • personal first aid kit,
strap and neck protector medication and sunscreen
• non synthetic undergarments • matches
• overalls or two piece uniform • knife
• boots • compass
To be carried and used as required: • authority card
• smoke goggles • pocket book, note book
• smoke mask or cloth and pen
• bushfire flash hood • personal requirements
• gloves
• water bottle
Note: New jackets will
have epaulettes and two
pockets. Name, rank,
qualification/s and brigade
name are to be sewn onto
the pocket flaps.
Rank Epaulette
Rank Epaulette
Rural Fire Rural Fire
Service Patch Service Patch
BF, AF, CL or
GL plus VF &
Rank 1st Aid
Brigade
Name Name
Personal Protective Equipment 2

(PPE) Garments are not to be modified or changed
Offensive structural personal protective equipment:
• helmet, correctly marked, chin strap and neck protector
• structural flash hood
• non synthetic undergarments
• trousers of two piece uniform and shirt
• offensive structural trousers and jacket
• gloves
• structural boots
• personal guideline
Rank Epaulette Rank Epaulette

BF, AF, CL or
Rank GL plus VF &
1st Aid
Name Brigade
Name
Rural Fire Rural Fire
Service Service
Patch Patch
PPE 2 – Offensive Structural NSW Rural Fire Service 5

Dead Man Zone / Emergency Procedure NSW Rural Fire Service 6
Dead Man Zone

Firefighters engaged on parallel or indirect attack may be working in the
“dead man zone” and must appreciate the time and space required to find a
safe refuge.
The distance (metres) a line of fire will travel in 5 minutes
Forest Fire Danger Slope
o
Index (FDI) Level Ground 10 (Up) Slope 20 o (Up) Slope
20 87 174 348
40 170 340 680
60 258 510 1020
80 338 676 1352
Based on 12.5 tonnes per hectare – distances may be greater in heavier fuel loads
Emergency Procedure (Bush Fire)

If a danger to the crew is identified:
• Warn those in danger
• Notify the Officer in Charge immediately
• Activate a standard emergency signal
• Activate preplanned emergency action
Emergency Procedure (Structure Fire)

Emergency Signal
• Repeated whistle blasts
• Intermittent blasts of the siren at 5 second intervals
• Repeated tugs on a guideline or hoseline
• “Emergency” radio message
• Crew to evacuate the area and report to Breathing Apparatus Control Officer (BACO)
Bush Fire Survival if in a vehicle

• Full personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly worn and fastened
• Be aware of your surroundings, note areas of little vegetation, natural shelter places,
escape routes and refuge areas
• Be aware of current weather conditions and fire behaviour
• Assess the risk of fire overrun
• Don’t put yourself in this position in the first place – anticipate and avoid
hazardous locations – use the LACES checklist
• Don’t panic or cause others to panic – Warn others who may be in immediate danger
• Send an emergency radio call giving your details, callsign and location
• Don’t drive through dense smoke, you may have an accident or drive off the road
• Park in open space, bare or burnt ground or in an area of least vegetation,
furthest from the path of the fire
• Stay in your vehicle and operate protective equipment (spray bars)
• Turn on the headlights, emergency lights and hazard warning lights,
leave engine running and sound horn
• Petrol motors may stop working due to vapour lock
• Close windows and air vents and turn off the air conditioning
• Shelter under a coat or blanket to protect your body from the radiant heat
and lie down as close as possible to the floor
• When the fire has passed – if vehicle is still safe, remain in the vehicle
– if vehicle is hazardous remain together as a crew and
seek refuge in a safer location until conditions cool
• The air closest to the ground is the freshest
• Coats or blankets should be taken and worn to provide supplementary protection
against radiated heat from the burnt out ground
• Don’t touch the interior or exterior parts (particularly metal) of the vehicle, it will
be very hot and may still be burning
Survival – in vehicle NSW Rural Fire Service 7

Survival – on foot NSW Rural Fire Service 8
Bush Fire Survival if on foot

• Be aware of your surroundings, note areas of little vegetation, natural shelter places,
escape routes and refuge areas
• Assess the risk of fire overrun
• Don’t put yourself in this position in the first place – anticipate and avoid
hazardous locations – use the LACES checklist
• Don’t panic or cause others to panic

• Don’t run through dense smoke, you may run into something, fall down or over a cliff
• Don’t run through a fire which exceeds 1.5 metres high x 1.5 to 3 metres deep
• Don’t try to outrun a fire uphill, for each 10o of slope the fire roughly doubles in the
rate of forward spread, preferably move across the slope out of the path of the fire
• Seek bare or burnt ground or an area of little vegetation
• Seek shelter by using a track, culvert, drain, wheel rut, cave, rock ledge,
large rock or fallen tree
• Check that there are no air spaces under rocks, fallen trees, etc. which would
allow the fire to be channelled underneath
• Shelter may be sought in large dams, rivers and streams
• Avoid elevated water tanks
• If time permits, clear away or burn as much flammable material as possible
• Shelter on the side furthest from the path of the fire
• Lie face down
• Dig into the ground if possible, cover your body as much as possible to protect
against the radiant heat
• A cloth or handkerchief, placed over your mouth and nose gives further protection
• Limit breathing as much as possible
• The air closest to the ground is the freshest
Bush Fire Survival if in a building

• Be aware of your surroundings
• A substantial building can offer the best shelter during the passage of a bush fire
• Bush Fire Coordinating Committee policy recommends that capable persons
should not be evacuated from properly prepared dwellings
• Last minute evacuations should be avoided
• Don’t panic or cause others to panic

• Know the whereabouts of all crew and/or family and ensure their safety
• Turn off electrical and gas systems
• Fill bath and sinks with water and strategically place static supplies of water
externally (for firefighting)
• Ensure gutters are clear, then block and fill with water
• Close all doors and windows and seal gaps with towels or similar material
• If possible have a battery powered radio and torch in working order
• If time permits, clear away from around the building as much flammable material
as possible
• Stay outside for as long as possible to extinguish small outbreaks
• Shelter in the house away from the approaching fire
• Once the fire has passed, move outside and extinguish any hot spots and check
the building for any signs of fire, especially the roof and under the house
Survival – in a building NSW Rural Fire Service 9

Urine Chart NSW Rural Fire Service 10
Urine Chart
HOW DEHYDRATED ARE YOU?
For frontline fire fighting, 1 litre of fluid should be taken every hour
Highly Dehydrated
DARK YELLOW – Drink a large bottle of water
immediately!
You are still seriously dehydrated
BRIGHT YELLOW – Drinking more now will make you feel
a lot better
Moderately dehydrated
YELLOW – You lose fluid on a regular basis throughout the day
– Drink more water to get hydrated
Almost there
LIGHT YELLOW – Get some more water in your system
– Stay hydrated and healthy!
Great job
CLEAR – Now don’t let yourself get dehydrated
– Drink at least 8-12 large glasses of water throughout
the day
CAFFEINATED AND SUGARY DRINKS AND ALCOHOL

DEHYDRATE – LIMIT YOUR CONSUMPTION
You can have a sport drink to supplement electrolytes. They should be taken
at the ratio of 1 sports drink to 10 equivalents of water.
Approved by the NSW Ambulance Service
Radio Reports
When responding:
Call sign, Crew strength and Officer in Charge (OIC)
Incident Controller
Incident Controller and the name of the incident to be nominated and
communicated to all at the incident and Fire Com
First arriving appliance
Callsign
Priority code (red, blue)
Give or confirm location
Give or confirm map name and grid reference
Give or confirm type of incident (bush, grass, structure, AFA, MVA, false alarm, etc.)
Advise investigating, commencing attack, standing by, etc.
Later arriving units to communicate with Incident Controller on approach
First arriving appliance also provides detailed SitRep on arrival and as the
situation changes or as additional information is known, when major
benchmarks have been achieved or at least every 30 minutes
Fire status (going, being controlled, contained, patrol, out)
Fire behaviour and weather information
Fuel type, fuel load and topography
Change of location
For structure fire – what is involved and what are exposures, etc.
For MVA – what is involved, traffic situation, road closures, etc.
Communicate any change of Incident Controller
Other Agencies in attendance
Further Information
Any injuries, fatalities, persons trapped, persons missing, persons evacuated
Any person or asset under immediate threat
Any person or asset under longer term threat (give timeframe)
Objectives, strategy and tactics
Additional firefighting or logistics resources required
Other services required (rescue, NSWFB for HazMat, Police, Ambulance,
electricity, heavy plant, aircraft, etc.)
Any hazard or safety warnings
Any suspicious circumstances
Radio Reports NSW Rural Fire Service 11

Safe Driving 1 NSW Rural Fire Service 12
Safe Driving 1
Response
All private vehicles are to observe all Australian Road Rules 1999, NSW Acts
and Regulations at all times
If you have an accident en-route you have defeated the purpose for
which you were responded
Drivers to have an appropriate current driving licence
The driver of any RFS vehicle is to comply with the legislated prescribed
concentration of alcohol (PCA)
Respond means to drive urgently, but safely, using lights and sirens where
appropriate (lights are to be used but siren may not be appropriate when
responding in remote areas or on private lands)
Note: A driver must give way to emergency vehicles that display flashing
blue or red lights or sound an alarm
A driver must not move into the path of emergency vehicles and must move
out of the path of emergency vehicles that display flashing blue or red lights
or sound an alarm
Treat all other road users as though they have not seen you
Normally RFS vehicles respond for the initial response
RFS vehicles called out later to assist are to proceed (not respond) to the
incident unless specifically requested by the district/team/zone manager,
Incident Controller or other person with delegated authority
Driver and crew to wear seat belts at all times unless working on
the fireground (eg. during grassland fire fighting from the rear of tankers)
Ensure that you do not cause other road users to react and cause an
accident – you will be responsible
Ensure that your vehicle, anything attached to it or falling from it does not
impact with any other vehicle, pedestrian or object
Safe Driving 2
Traffic Rules
Rule 306 of the Australian Road Rules 1999, provides exemptions for drivers
of emergency vehicles provided that “reasonable” care is taken, however,
RFS SOPs require you to:
Come to a complete stop and do not to proceed until safe at:
Red traffic lights
Stop sign
Unguarded level crossing (do not enter if a train is approaching)
Blind intersection
Intersection where traffic in some lanes is not visible
Intersection where RFS vehicle does not have right of way
Slow down to a safe speed, which will allow RFS vehicle to quickly
stop if required at:
Give way sign
Pedestrian crossing (unoccupied)
Bus set down
In the vicinity of schools when students are arriving or leaving
Comply with the following:
School zone speed limit
Speed limit when passing school bus displaying 40 km/h illuminated sign
Stop at children’s crossing
Give way at pedestrian crossing
Vehicle Checking Stations
All vehicles over 4.5 tonnes to enter vehicle checking stations
(except when responding)
Log Books
Drivers of “Government Vehicles” are exempt from maintaining a “National
Drivers Log Book”

Safe Driving 3
Road Transport (Safety and Traffic Management) Act 1999
No exemptions exist for drivers in regard to the provisions of the Road
Transport Act 1999 which include:
Negligent, furious or reckless driving
Negligent driving causing death or grievous bodily harm
Driving at a speed or in a manner dangerous
Menacing driving
Crimes Act 1900
No exemptions exist for drivers in regard to the provisions of the Crimes Act
which include:
Predatory driving
Dangerous driving or aggravated dangerous driving occasioning death
or grievous bodily harm
Injuries by furious driving
Causing grievous bodily harm
Authority Card Front
Authority Card Back

Authority Card ~ Front & Back NSW Rural Fire Service 15
Authority of Officers 1 NSW Rural Fire Service 16
Authority of Officers 1
For the legal text refer to the Rural Fires Act, September 1997 as
amended and regulations
s21 Functions of officers of rural fire brigades
s22 General powers of rural fire brigades officers and others
s23 Power to enter premises
s24 Closure of streets and public places
s25 Making premises safe
s26 Use of water and works
– take and use without any payment any water from any source on any
land for the purpose of controlling or suppressing a fire
s27 Permission of State Rail Authority or Rail Access Corporation required
– functions may not be exercised in relation to land or property vested
in State Rail Authority or Rail Infrastructure Corporation without the
permision of the Authority or Corporation
s28 Damage to property
s29 Notice of entry
s30 Care to be taken
s31 Use of force (for gaining entry)
s32 Authority to enter premises
s40 Officer in charge may authorise others to exercise functions
s41 Duty (of Police Service and others) to recognise authority of officers
s128 Protection from liability
Authority of Officers 2
Refer to Service Standard 1.3.2 Powers of Officers for further clarification
Service Standard 1.3.2 clause 2.11
The Commissioner has authorised Officers to enter any premises without
notice where it is necessary for the purpose of:
a. controlling or suppressing a fire;
b. protecting persons or property from an existing or imminent danger
arising out of:
i. a fire;
ii. an incident; or
iii. other emergency;
c. determining if there is a fire on or near the premises; or
d. investigating the cause or origin of a fire.
Service Standard 1.3.2 clause 2.13
The Commissioner has authorised Officers to use reasonable force for the
purpose of gaining entry to a premises in circumstances where, in the opinion
of the Officer, one or more of the following circumstances exist:
a. it is necessary for the purpose of controlling or suppressing a fire;
b. it is necessary for the purpose of protecting persons or property from an
existing or imminent danger arising out of:
i. a fire;
ii. an incident; or
iii. other emergency;
c. it is necessary for the purpose of determining if there is a fire on or near the
premises; or
d. it is necessary for the purpose of investigating the cause or origin of a fire.
Authority of Officers 2 NSW Rural Fire Service 17

HazChem Chart NSW Rural Fire Service 18
HazChem Scale for Fire or Spillage

Notes For Guidance
1 Jets
2 Fog In the absence of fog equipment, a fine spray may be used
3 Foam
4 Dry Agent Water must not be allowed to come into contact with the
substance at risk
V Can be violently or explosively reactive
Full Full body protective clothing with BA
BA Breathing apparatus plus protective gloves
BA for For fires BA essential. If no fire, BA not
Fire Only
essential for short exposure
Dilute May be washed to drain with large quantities
of water
Contain Prevent by any means available, spillage from
entering drains or water courses
P V W V
Full Full
R X
S BA Y BA
V Dilute V Contain
S BA for fire only Y BA for fire only
T BA Z BA
T BA for fire only Z BA for fire only
E Consider Evacuation
Dangerous Goods Classes

Numbers Descriptions and labels
5.1 Oxidizing substances
1 Explosives 5.2 Organic peroxides
2.1 Flammable gases 6.1 Toxic substances
2.2 Non-flammable
non-toxic gases 6.2 Infectious substances
2.2 Oxidizing gas 7 Radioactive material

5.1 sub risk (nitrous oxide & oxygen only) (category I)
2.3 Toxic gases 7 Radioactive material

(category II or III)
3 Flammable liquids 8 Corrosive substances
4.1 Flammable solids 9 Miscellaneous dangerous

(and other reactive substances) goods and articles
4.2 Substances liable

to spontaneous Mixed class label for road
combustion and rail transport
4.3 Substances that in Subsidiary risk label to be

contact with water used with elevated temperature
emit flammable gases substances
Dangerous Goods NSW Rural Fire Service 19

HazMat / Terrorism 1 NSW Rural Fire Service 20
HazMat/Terrorism Guidelines
(Defensive Strategy Only)
1 Safe Approach Treat all calls as potential Hazmats
Don’t become a victim Always look for HazChem signs
Don’t eat, drink or smoke if Safe distance, wind direction, vapour plume,
contamination suspected, weather, terrain, run-off, collapse
until checked Be aware of any suspicious activity
or characteristics
Beware of secondary hazards/devices
Minimise exposure time
Maximise shielding
2 Incident Command Set up command point
Establish communications
Situation report (combat authority to be called)
Identify a staging area
Maintain incident log
Preserve evidence
3 Rescue/Scene Security Cordon off danger area
Evacuate any person in close proximity
and keep them together
ONLY rescue victim/s if safe to do so
Victims may need decontamination
Eliminate source of ignition
4 Identify HazMats From a safe distance identify (use binoculars)
(If no hazardous materials – substance UN code and HazChem code
information panel, treat as 4WE) – quantity
– type of spillage (spill, fire, MVA, etc.)
– name of carrier or manufacturer
– location and access
– threat to life (number of victims)
– threat to property or environment
HazMat/Terrorism Guidelines
(Defensive Strategy Only) Continued
NSWFB is the sole combat agency for hazardous materials incidents
throughout NSW, including all inland waterways.
The following actions require specialised HazMat Teams
Rural Fire Service to assist as required
5 Assess potential harm and
minimise environmental
contamination
6 Call in resources
7 Monitor information
8 Render safe and decontaminate
ETHYL METHYL
ETHER
UN No.
1039
HAZCHEM
2PE
IN EMERGENCY DIAL SPECIALIST ADVICE
AUSTRALIAN
000 POLICE OR CHEMICALS LTD
FIRE BRIGADE MELB. (03) 987 6543
HazMat / Terrorism 2 NSW Rural Fire Service 21

Terrorism 1 NSW Rural Fire Service 22
Biological Terrorism Guidelines

1 Follow HazMat Guidelines
2 DO NOT DISTURB package
3 Evacuate area
4 Cover package if possible
5 Keep hands away from eyes and mouth
6 Preserve evidence
7 Shut off ventilation
8 Dampen down clothing then remove. Remove outer garments. Wash person
with soap and water
9 Decontaminate area with 5% bleach and water solution
10 Maintain personal hygiene including washing hands
Radioactive Terrorism Guidelines

Time LIMIT
Distance
Shielding
2 Preserve evidence
3 Decontaminate with water and contain run off
Explosive Devices
and Suspicious Packages
Distance
&
Shielding
2 DO NOT TOUCH, TILT or TAMPER
3 Beware of secondary devices
4 Preserve evidence
Chemical Terrorism Guidelines

2 Shut off ventilation
3 Consider use of water spray to knockdown agents
and contain run off
4 Preserve evidence
5 Remove clothing except underwear
6 Decontaminate with water and contain run off
Terrorism 2 NSW Rural Fire Service 23

Electricity 1 NSW Rural Fire Service 24
Electricity 1
Potential hazards:
Approach Electricity Authority to attend
240 volt and over may arc from one wire to another or to ground
11,000 volt and over may arc to ground
Look out for electrical hazards, wires may fall, point them
out to your crew
Tell your crew what precautions to take
Identify both ends and beware of recoil
Note: both ends may be “live” or wires may become live
at any time by remote switching gear
Do not park under wires
Wait until Electricity Authority has declared and shown
to be “SAFE”
Bush fire Poles or cross arms burnt and fallen wires
Fallen wires can energise metal or wire fencing
Conduction through hose streams
High voltage power transmission may arc to ground
through smoke and fire
Structure fires Service to or within the building
Conduction through ladder (eg. whilst carry ladder)
Note: power (light) may be left on for evacuation of a building
MVA Fallen wires due to pole impact
Wires dislodged off insulators and touching crossarm or pole
may make pole live. Note: vehicle may be electrified
Impact and damage to object powered by electricity
Note: vehicle may be electrified
Wires on vehicle – occupants may be able to drive clear if
not have them remain in the vehicle until power isolated
If vehicle is on fire – occupants may, as a last resort, jump
clear without touching the vehicle and hop until well clear
Electricity 2
Potential hazards:
Storm Damage Damaged poles or cross arms and fallen wires
Low clearance
Trees, branches or building debris bringing down wires
Trees or branches in contact with wires
Sub Station Call any intruder to fence or to sit and remain where they
DO NOT ENTER are – clearance minimum 4m from equipment or wires
NO-GO-ZONE – for up to 200,000 volts

Use clean water only
Stand on dry ground
Keep clear of run off water
Nozzle Size Pressure Minimum Disance from Conductor

25mm 700 kPa 21.5 metres
Diffuser (hollow jet) 700 kPa 9.0 metres
Diffuser (30o spray) 700 kPa 8.0 metres

Electricity 3
Pole Top Fires Pole or wires may fall
Stand minimum 8m clear to one side
Stand uphill from any wet ground
Use approved nozzle only
Broken stream with water falling onto fire
NO-GO-ZONE
NO-GO-ZONE refer to table in Electricity 2 (page 25)

Electricity 4
HIGH VOLTAGE – 3 lines
11.000 Volt (may also be
up to 132.000 Volt)
6350 v
6350 v
6350 v
LOW VOLTAGE – 4 lines
Neutral
240 v
240 v
240 v
TELCO – 1 line
Fibre optic cable for tv
and or telephone To commercial or domestic premises
Single Phase 240 v
Three Phase 415 v
Note: The neutral wire may be either side

Electricity 5
Step Potential When electricity is released into the ground, it will
“fan” out from the point of contact and voltage will
drop over distance.
Avoid the danger of step potential, go no closer than
8m from where the conductor touches the ground.
Step Potential
This man would receive
6350v – 5500v = 850 volts
6350v
x y
6250v
5500v
2750v
NO-GO-ZONE – WITHIN 8 METRES OF CONDUCTOR

Electricity 6
Transmission NO-GO-ZONE for vehicles and personnel if fire or smoke
Lines within 25 metres of outer wire
Flame and smoke may cause arc from one wire to
another or to ground
Keep hose stream below head height
High trees in easement are a hazard
Review strategy if within 25 metres
3 Transmission
Power
Proposed E
-Z
ON Lines
Control Line – x – x GO
–x NO
- each side
–x 25m
–
x
–x
–x
–x–
n
ctio
x–x–x–x–x
Dire
nd
Wi
Rigging Lines

First Aid 1 NSW Rural Fire Service 30
First Aid 1
D Danger Assess situation for danger, ensure scene is
safe for you, your crew, casualty, and others
R Response Assess level of consciousness, can you hear me, if not
responding put in recovery position, call for Ambulance
A Airway Clear the airway, open the airway (Tilt head back
and lift jaw except for baby), remove any obstructions
B Breathing Check for breathing, look, listen and feel, if not
breathing, 2 effective breaths to casualty
C Circulation Check for a pulse. If pulse, continue EAR,
if no pulse commence CPR, continue until pulse and
respiration return, check pulse each 2 mins.
Put unconscious casualty in the recovery position. Look
for and control bleeding. Check for burns and breaks.
Don’t remove clothing
Don’t give an unconscious casualty food or water
E Evacuation
EAR Expired 15 breaths per minute 12– Adult
Air 20 small breaths per minute 1 – 12
Resuscitation 20 puffs per minute Baby
CPR 1 operator 15 compressions/2 breaths
Cardio or 2 operators– 4 cycles per minute 12– Adult 2 Hands
Pulmonary – 6 cycles per minute 1 – 12 1 Hand
Resuscitation 1 operator 5 compressions to 1 breath
– 1 cycle each 3 secs Baby 2 Fingers
First Aid 2
Recovery Roll casualty – Extend casualty’s left arm 90 degrees
Position on side – Place casualty’s right hand on left shoulder
(see page 34) – Bend casualty’s right knee up
– Kneel at casualty’s right side, grasp right knee
and shoulder and roll onto left side
– Ensure airways free from blockages
Heart Constant dull heavy crushing – DRABCE
Attack chest pain, pain may radiate – Call for Ambulance
Bm, along left arm to ring finger or – Reassure
up neck and jaw, pale or grey – If conscious – semi-sitting
palour, dizziness, nausea, sweaty position
or short of breath – If unconscious – recovery
position
Stroke Loss of muscle control to one – DRABCE
half of body, facial droop, – Call for Ambulance
loss of balance, slurred mumbled – Reassure
and distorted speech, very bad – If conscious – semi-sitting
headache,unequal or position
unresponsive pupils, flushed face – If unconscious – recovery position
anxiety, shock, may lead to seizure – Loosen tight clothing
Heat Stress Headache, drowsiness, fatigue, – Move to a cool place
nausea, urine dark yellow, – Loosen clothing
muscle cramps – Drink plenty of water
Note: Normal body temp. 37oC
Heat Tiredness, hot, sweating, – Stop work
Exhaustion dizziness, nausea, lack of – Move to a cool place
coordination, collapse, shock, – Remove non essential clothing
38oC – 40oC – Rest
– Drink water until urine
output increases
– Wet down skin

First Aid 3
Heat Stroke Very hot (dangerously high – DRABCE
temperature), red, dry skin, – Call for Ambulance/Medivac
rapid pounding pulse, dizziness, move casualty to meet
nausea, headache, confused, ambulance
irritable, 40-42oC, may lead – Reassure
to seizure – Cold compress to neck,
armpits and groin
– Cover with wet sheet
– Continue to cool
Burns Red, swollen skin, blisters, pain, – DRABCE
clear yellow fluid, damaged or – Call for Ambulance
missing skin – Medivac for burnt airway or
Don’t break blisters or serious burn
remove skin – Reassure
Don’t use ointments – Cool with running water for
or antiseptics 10 mins (use helmet to catch
Don’t remove dirt, particles water and reuse if in short supply)
or clothing from the burn – Remove loose clothing or
jewellery from affected limb
– Cover with loose sterile dressing
Shock Pale, cold clammy skin, rapid – DRABCE
weak pulse, rapid shallow – Reassure casualty
breathing, nausea, vomiting, – Lay down – legs raised
agitated, thirsty (unless fractured)
– Loosen tight clothing
– Keep warm
First Aid 4
Severe Evident, shock, decreasing level – DRABCE
Bleeding of consciousness, may lead to – Call for Ambulance/Medivac
seizure – Reassure
– Apply direct pressure
– Apply dressing
– Immobilise and raise limb
– If bleeding continues apply
further dressings
Fractures Pain, swelling, deformity, loss of– DRABCE
function, possible shortening – Call for Ambulance
of limb, limb may be at an angle – Immobilise limb
or rotated, shock – Patient in comfortable position
– Padding around any splint
Don’t straighten fractured limb – Check bandaging tightness
– Check circulation in limb
Severed Don’t clean severed, cut or – DRABCE
Parts body part – Call for Ambulance
Attend to casualty first – Reassure
– Control bleeding of casualty
– Place part in plastic bag and seal
– Keep bag as cool as possible
in iced water
Snake and Puncture marks, pain, swelling, – DRABCE
Funnel Web headache, dizziness, muscle – Call for Ambulance/Medivac
Spider Bite weakness, difficulty breathing, – Reassure
shock, may lead to seizure – Lay down on back or in
Do attempt identification comfortable position
Don’t wash wound – Pressure/immobilisation
bandage over entire limb

First Aid 5
Red Back, Sharp sting, burning pain, – DRABCE
der other spiders, stinger may be on skin – Call for Ambulance if required
scorpion, – Rest and reassure
centipede, – Cold compress over bite area
ant, wasp (e.g. ice in bag)
or bee
Seizure Loss of consciousness, rigidity, – Call for Ambulance
spasmodic muscle contraction, – Remove surrounding items
tongue biting, urine incontinence – Cushion head
Don’t restrain casualty – After seizure maintain airway
– Place in recovery position
– Rest and reassure
1. 2.
3. 4.
Recovery or stable side position

Fire Investigation and

Scene Preservation
To assist with the investigation of fires, crews need to protect the area of
Origin and forward all information to the District/Team/Zone Manager.
A formal investigation is required for:
death or serious injury to a firefighter or member of the public
significant damage or destruction to an appliance, property, stock, etc.
deliberate ignition if the fire is part of a series or if a suspect is known
a structural fire where the cause can’t be determined
declaration of a Section 44
En-Route to fire:
note smoke colour, columns and weather conditions
observe and record people and vehicles in the vicinity
On arrival:
note smoke and flame colour, size and location of the greatest fire activity
protect objects and evidence related to the cause
Scene preservation:
cordon off the area first discovered burning, plus 10 metres
tape and restrict access, minimise disturbance to the area
Structural fires:
note any external fire source, forced entry, or other evidence
note internal and external doors and windows, open/closed/locked
Motor vehicle fires:
note vehicle make and registration
note doors and windows, open/closed/locked, car stripped/abandoned
minimise disturbance, the vehicle may be subject of a major crime
NOTE YOUR OBSERVATIONS IN YOUR NOTEBOOK
Fire Investigation & Scene Preservation NSW Rural Fire Service 35
Fuel Containers NSW Rural Fire Service 36
KNOW YOUR
FUEL CONTAINERS!
SIGNAL RED ORANGE
LIME GREEN CANARY BLUE BELL
FILLER NECKS AND FILLER CAPS ARE

COLOUR-CODED TO MATCH CONTAINERS.
Class of Fire A B C (E) F

Ordinary Fire involving Fire involving
Type of Fire combustibles (wood, Flammable and Flammable gases energized electrical cooking oils
paper, plastics etc.) combustible liquids equipment and fats
Type of
Indicating Colour Extinguisher Extinguisher Suitability
Water Yes No No No No
Most suitable
Wet Yes No No No Yes

Chemical Most suitable
Alcohol Yes
Resistant Yes Most suitable for No No No
Foam alcohol fires
AFF Type Yes Most

Foam Yes suitable except No No No
for alcohol fires
AB(E)
Dry Chemical Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Powder
B(E)
Dry Chemical No Yes Yes Yes No
Powder
Carbon
Dioxide Yes Yes No Yes Yes
(C02)
Vapourising
Liquid
(fumes may be
dangerous in Yes Yes No Yes No
confined
spaces)
Extinguishers NSW Rural Fire Service 37

Fire Status / Bush Fire Classification NSW Rural Fire Service 38
Fire Status
Going Any fire spreading on one or more flanks or fronts that
does not have control strategies in place for entire perimeter
Being Controlled Effective strategies are in operation or planned for the entire perimeter
Contained Whole of fire perimeter behind identifiable control lines. Active fire
may be located inside perimeter
Patrol The fire is at a stage where firefighting resources are only required
for patrol purposes. Major re-ignition is unlikely
Out The fire is at a stage that allows its removal from the list of current fires
Bush Fire Classification

CLASS ONE A bush fire under the control of the responsible fire authority, whether
or not incidental/low level assistance is provided by other agencies
CLASS TWO A bush fire which by necessity involves more than one agency and where
the Bush Fire Management Committee Operational Emergency Executive
have appointed a person to take charge of firefighting operations
CLASS THREE A major bush fire where an appointment has been made or is imminent
under provisions of Section 44 of the Rural Fires Act, 1997
A declaration under s44 of the Rural Fires Act is when the Commissioner takes charge and
appoints an Incident Controller when a bush fire has assumed or is likely to assume such
proportions as to be incapable of control or suppression by the local fire fighting authority. It may
also be declared “pre-emptively” when conditions are conducive to the outbreak of a bush fire
The area declared may be defined as:
one or more Rural Fire Districts
one or more Local Government Areas which would include the Fire District
an area defined by geographical or man made features
Intensity Flame
(kw/m) Height (m) FDR Forest Fires
0 – 50 0 – 0.5 Fires generally self

extinguishing
50 – 500 0.5 – 1.5 Hand tool lines should

hold the fire. Direct
attack recommended
500 – 2000 1.5 – 3.0 Fire too intense for

direct attack. Parallel
attack recommended
2000 – 4000 3.0 – 10.0 Crown fire at upper

intensities. Indirect
attack recommended
over 4000 over 10.0 Crowning, spotting and major

fire runs likely. Control efforts
probably ineffective. Defensive
strategy recommended
Fuel loads heavier than 12.5 tonnes per hectare
may produce more extreme fire behaviour
Fire Danger Index and Rating NSW Rural Fire Service 39
Aircraft Water Bombing Safety NSW Rural Fire Service 40
WARNING: Never allow a situation to develop where the safety of a ground crew
is dependent on aircraft/water bombing support. Factors outside
your control could prevent continuing aircraft support.
Vehicle-Aircraft
Safety Callsign
Be alert, watch and listen for low flying aircraft and communicate with the
Aircraft/Air Attack Supervisor in accordance with the communications plan.
Fire Bombing Safety

• Monitor your PMR/GRN radio
• Listen for your Vehicle-Aircraft Safety Callsign
• Await instructions from the Air Attack Supervisor or bombing pilot
• Move clear and remain clear of the drop zone until directed otherwise
• Move clear of the area on hearing an aircraft activate its siren
If caught in an aircraft dropzone:

• Move away from the fire line
• Do not run or panic
• Watch out for falling branches or debris
• Place hand tools well clear of you
• Secure your helmet with your arms to protect your head
• Watch your footing, foams and retardants can make the ground slippery
• If hit by foam or retardant, wash off with cold water
The Air Attack Supervisor will warn ground crews of imminent danger, erratic
weather, spot fires and approach of firebombing aircraft.
Provide the Aircraft/Air Attack Supervisor with changed location of ground
crews, flight hazards, wind conditions, unsafe aircraft operation and adverse
effects of aircraft vortex.
Ground to Air Signals

If radio communication fails use the following emergency aircraft signals:
– Serious injuries
– Require food and water
– All Well
– Indicate direction to proceed
– Am proceeding in this direction
– Unable to proceed
– Probably safe to land
– No
– Yes
– Not understood
When forming signals:

use wood, stones or other available material
make symbols at least 2.5 metres high
provide maximum colour contrast
attempt to attract attention by other means
The aircraft will indicate signals have been understood by rocking

from side to side
Ground to Air Signals NSW Rural Fire Service 41

Aircraft Safety NSW Rural Fire Service 42
DO NOT approach
or leave without the
PILOT’S FIELD pilot’s knowledge and
OF VISION clearance. Stay in pilot’s
field of vision.
DANGER AREA
Crouch down as you approach for extra rotor clearance. Helmets must be removed or fastened
securely by a chin strap. DO NOT reach up, run or chase after articles that blow away.
Carry tools horizontally below waist level

– never upright or on shoulder.
On sloping ground always approach or leave on

the down slope for maximum rotor clearance.
If blinded by swirling dust or grit, STOP, sit

down and await assistance.
On entering helicopter,
fasten and adjust seat belt
DO NOT approach or leave helicopter when and leave it fastened until
the engine and rotors are running down or pilot signals to get out.
starting up.
Tactical Aircraft Callsigns

Aircraft Type Callsign Prefix
Light Helicopter Firebird
Medium/Heavy Helicopter Helitak
Fixed Wing Bomber Bomber
Fixed Wing Reconnaissance Aircraft Firespotter
Fixed Wing Remote Sensing Aircraft Firescan
NPWS Aircraft Parkair
NSW Police Aircraft Polair
NSWFB Aircraft Fireair
Each aircraft will also be allocated a number. Eg Helitak 221 and Bomber
223. The first numeral of the tactical callsign identifies the state of origin.
Eg NSW = 2; Victoria = 3
The callsign number will be visible on the fuselage and must be visible to
ground crews
In the interests of safety, all users are requested not to reallocate callsigns
for particular incidents
Tactical Aircraft Callsigns NSW Rural Fire Service 43

Standard Helicopter Marshalling Signals 1 NSW Rural Fire Service 44
Standard Helicopter Marshalling Signals 1

You must be trained and competent in marshalling helicopters.
DO NOT complicate a simple aircraft operation
“Come To Me – “Move Forward” “Stop”

Land Here” Arms a little aside, palms Arms repeatedly
Arms vertically above facing backwards and crossed above head
the head with palms repeatedly moved (the more urgent the
facing inwards upwards and backwards stop, the quicker
from shoulder height the movement)
“Cut Engine/s” “Slow Down” “Move Back”

Either arm and hand level Arms down with palms Arms by sides,
with shoulder, hand across towards ground, then palms facing forward,
throat, palm down. The moved up and down swept forwards and
hand is moved sideways several times upwards repeatedly
with the arm remaining bent to shoulder height
“All Clear” “Hover” “Move Up”

Right arm raised at Arms extended Arms extended horizontally
elbow with thumb erect horizontally sideways to the side, beckoning
upwards, with palms turned
up. Speed of movement
indicates rate of ascent
“Move Down” “Move Left” “Move Right”

Arms extended horizontally Appropriate arm extended horizontally sideways
to the side, beckoning in direction of movement and other arm moved
downwards, with palms in front of body in same direction, in a
turned down. Speed of reapeating movement
movement indicates rate
of descent

“Land” “Winch Up” “Winch Down”

Arms crossed and Left arm horizontal in Left arm horizontal in front
extended downwards in front of body, fist of body, fist clenched, right
front of body clenched, right hand with hand with palm turned
palm turned upwards downwards making
making upwards motion downwards motion
“Load Not Released” “Release Load”

Right arm held across Left arm extended forward
chest, palm facing down. horizontally, fist clenched,
Left hand pointing up to right hand making horizontal
form ‘T’ slicing movement below the
left fist, palm downwards
Beaufort Scale
Beaufort km/h Land Specification Title Knots
0 Less than 1 Smoke rises vertically Calm 0
1 1 -5 Smoke drifts slowly Light Air 1 -3
2 6 - 11 Wind felt on face Light Breeze 4 -6
Leaves rustle
Flags flap
3 12 - 19 Leaves and small twigs Gentle Breeze 7 - 10
in constant motion
Flags extended
4 20 - 29 Raises dust and loose paper Moderate Breeze 11- 16
Small branches are moved
5 30 - 39 Small trees begin to sway Fresh Breeze 17 - 21
6 40 - 49 Large branches in motion Strong Breeze 22 - 27
Wires whistle
Umbrellas used with difficulty
7 50 - 61 Whole trees in motion Near Gale 28 - 33
Walking against the wind impeded
8 62 - 74 Twigs break off trees Gale 34 - 40
9 75 - 88 Slight structure damage Strong Gale 41- 47
10 89 - 102 Seldom experienced inland Storm 48 - 55
Trees uprooted
Much structural damage
11 103 - 117 Very rare Violent Storm 53 - 63
Widespread damage
12 More than 118 Severe & extensive damage Hurricane 64 - 71
Beaufort Scale NSW Rural Fire Service 47

T Card Resource Status and Skills NSW Rural Fire Service 48
T Card Resource Status

Required (REQ) A particular resource is required or requested by a unit
Organised (ORG) The required resource has been organised or arranged
Standby (SB) The organised resource has been placed on standby
Enroute (E/R) Resource dispatched to an incident that has not yet
checked in
Available (AVL) Resource at an incident and available at short notice
Allocated (ALC) Resource working at an incident
Stood Down (S/D) Resource stood down from the shift
Unserviceable (U/S) Resource at an incident unable to respond for
mechanical, rest or personal reasons
Skills
Basic Firefighter (BF)
Advanced Firefighter (AF)
Village Firefighter (VF)
Crew Leader (CL)
Group Leader (GL)
Senior First Aider (SFA)
Rural Fire Driver (RFD)
Chain Saw Operator (CSO)
Breathing Apparatus Operator (BAO)
Remote Area Firefighter (RAF)
NOTE: The rear of

card provides for the
recording of each task,
location and date time
group (DTG).
T Card Single Resource NSW Rural Fire Service 49

T Card Colour Coding NSW Rural Fire Service 50
T Card Colour Coding Identification

NOTE: A distinguishing letter (eg. Alpha, Bravo, etc.) shall be used for all vehicles
FIRE APPLIANCE AWD 4x2
– HEAVY H Cat 1 3001L – 4000L H Cat 3 3001L – 4000L
Cat 5 4001L + Cat 6 4001L +
FIRE APPLIANCE M AWD M 4x2
– MEDIUM Cat 2 1601L – 3000L Cat 4 1601L – 3000L
FIRE APPLIANCE L AWD L 4x2
– LIGHT Cat-7 801L – 1600L Cat-8 801L – 1600L
FIRE APPLIANCE MU AWD
– MOP UP Cat 9 350L – 800L
NOTE: The callsign for Cat 10 and above uses a single word (as noted in brackets)
as the description. i.e. Cat 11 is a Pumper
URBAN FIRE Pumper Pumper
APPLIANCE (AWD Cat 11 1601L+) (4x2 Cat 10 1601L+)
BULK WATER Bulk Water (Cat 13)
CARRIER
VEHICLE Command (Cat 16)
Communication (Cat 19)
PERSONNEL Personnel Carrier (Cat 12)
TRANSPORT
MACHINERY Dozer Grader
AIRCRAFT Helicopter Fixed Wing

H - Heavy H - Heavy
M - Medium M - Medium
L - Light L - Light
OTHER
Safe Working On Roads

Emergency Operational Work on Roads
Fire Wear full PPE
Motor Vehicle Beacons activated
Accident (MVA) Sitrep to FireCom
Storm Damage Police and required combat agencies to be “called”
Incident Park to protect crew and scene
Risk and hazard assessment
Then as necessary:
– Close or partially close road in one or both directions
RURAL FIRE
SERVICE – Control traffic
– Roadside signage
– Traffic cones
– Observer/s and/or traffic controllers with “Safety Tabard”
Non Emergency Operational Work on Roads

General Wear full PPE and Safety Tabard as required
Risk and hazard assessment
Then as necessary:
Filling from – Beacons activated – Roadside signage
Hydrants – Traffic cones – Observer/s with Safety Tabard
Mechanical – Beacons/hazard lights activated
Breakdown – Breakdown triangles – Traffic cones
– Notify FireCom
Hazard Reductions – Beacons activated – Roadside signage
– Prepared traffic control plan
– Advance media publicity
Hydrant Inspections Refer to Safe Working on Roads SOPs
Installation of Blue Refer to Safe Working on Roads SOPs
Hydrant Markers
Safe Working on Roads NSW Rural Fire Service 51

Hand Signals for Guiding Vehicle 1 NSW Rural Fire Service 52
Hand Signals for Guiding Vehicle 1

The driver must only take directions from the nominated guide
Directions may be given from the front or rear of the vehicle
The guide always faces the driver
If the guide is to the rear of the vehicle the driver uses the mirrors
The guide must be in the driver’s field of vision at all times whilst the vehicle
is in motion.
If the guide is not in view OR the driver is unsure of a signal,
the driver must STOP
Drive at a slow constant speed
Turn steering wheel at a slow, constant speed
“Stop” “Move forward”

Both arms extended towards the Both arms raised towards the
vehicle with hands up and palms vehicle with hands up and palms
towards the vehicle away from the vehicle, hands
moved in a beckoning motion
Hand Signals for Guiding Vehicle 2
“Move back” “Hold existing lock”

Both arms raised towards the vehicle, Both arms down beside the body.
hands down with palms away from The driver stops turning the steering
the vehicle, hands moved in a wheel but maintains existing lock
brushing away, “go away” motion
“Apply right lock” “Apply left lock”

Left arm (if in front of vehicle): right Right arm (if in front of vehicle):
arm (if behind vehicle). The guide left arm (if behind vehicle). The
raises arm extended horizontally to guide raises arm extended
the side, level with the shoulder. The horizontally to the side, level with
driver turns the steering wheel in the the shoulder. The driver turns the
direction of the guide’s raised arm.The steering wheel in the direction of
driver continues to turn the steering the guide’s raised arm. The driver
wheel at a constant speed until the continues to turn the steering
raised arm is dropped to the side wheel at a constant speed until the
raised arm is dropped to the side
Hand Signals for Guiding Vehicle 2 NSW Rural Fire Service 53

Foam Application 1 NSW Rural Fire Service 54
Foam Application 1
Class A Foam Up to 1% for Class “A” “Ordinary Combustibles” fires
(BFFF) including wood, paper, etc.
Class B foam 3% or 6% for Class “B” “Flammable and Combustible
(AFFF) Liquid” fires including oil, petrol, etc. with less than 10%
ethanol content
Class B foam 6% for Class “B” “Flammable and Combustible Liquid”
(ATC - Alcohol fires where ethanol or other water miscible fuels
Resistant Foam) are involved
Class B foam 6% can also be used at a ratio of up to 1% for Class “A”
(AFFF or ATC) “Ordinary Combustibles” fires
Quenchmaster Fire Fighting Foam Proportioning System

Operating Instructions Model CP 500
Foam Application 2
Supply Open the cap of the foam container 3/4 to 1 turn (Class “A” or “B”)
Start the pump and set pressure 600 – 700kPa
Open nozzle/branch to provide water flow
Turn “Foam Valve” (Tank Recirc) to ‘ON’
Set the foam selection valve to Class A or Class B
Set metering valve to the appropriate ratio
Mop Up 0.1% to 0.25%
Initial Suppression 0.25% to 0.5%
Back Burning 0.5% to 0.75%
Exposure Protections/Structural Attack 0.75% to 1.0%
Standby Turn “Foam Valve” (Tank Recirc) to ‘OFF’
Set metering valve to ‘OFF’
Discharge water to clear foam from pump (5 – 10 seconds)
Discharge small quantity of water regularly to cool pump
When foam required – Turn “Foam Valve” (Tank Recirc) to ‘ON’
and reset metering valve to the appropriate ratio
Shutdown Set metering valve to 'OFF'
Flush pump and hoses until all foam solution is expelled
Turn "Foam Valve" (Tank Recirc) to ‘OFF’
Reseal foam container
Note: When operating on mains hydrant supply (closed relay pumping), pump inlet
pressure should provide a reading on the compound gauge at or near “0” but no
higher than +50 kPa (it would be preferable to connect hydrant to tank filler –
open relay pumping)
Note: Clean the filter, located in the “Y” strainer in the pressure line to the
proportioner, on a regular basis particularly if impurities in water
Foam Application 2 NSW Rural Fire Service 55

Hydrant Markers NSW Rural Fire Service 56
Hydrant Markers
How to identify indicator plates for locating hydrants on potable and
recycled water mains.
Primary Indicator Plates
Potable Potable Primary indicator plates are marked
with two sets of numbers. The top
number gives the distance (in metres)
from the plate to the hydrant and the
bottom number gives the size (in
millimetres) of the water main.
Note: H – Hydrant for potable water
Recycled Recycled RH – Hydrant for recycled water
P – Pathway
R – Roadway
Black line on plate indicates
hydrant is on opposite side
of road
Secondary Indicator Plates
Potable Recycled Secondary indicator plates should face
each direction of approach from which
the primary plates cannot be seen.
Additionally, white or yellow triangles or
arrows may be painted on roads, or blue
markers may be fixed to the road
to one side of the centre line
Static Water Supply indicator plate fixed in a location to be highly

visible from the road and may include swimming pools, tanks,
dams, ponds or creeks.
Hand Signals
Words of command and common hand signals are given below:
Water On Water Off

Arm raised above head Arm extended
vertically fist clenched. horizontally
Increase Pressure to the side and
swung across
Arm raised above head
the body.
vertically and dropped
to side.
Each signal requires
pump pressure to be Make Up
increased by 100kpa. Equipment
Both arms
extended to
the side
horizontally
Decrease Pressure and held for
Arm Extended a few seconds.
horizontally to the side
and dropped to the side.
Report to me
Each signal requires
pump pressure to be Left hand
reduced by 100kpa. placed on
helmet and
right hand
points to
crew member
Hand Signals NSW Rural Fire Service 57

Hoses and Pressures 1 NSW Rural Fire Service 58
Hoses and Pressures 1 (Rough Guide)

Optimum Nozzle Pressures
Standard branch with straight nozzle Best at 250kPa
12mm diametre or less
Controllable jet/spray nozzles (Dial-a-jet, AWG, etc.) Best at 500kPa
Foam making branch Best at 550kPa
Pistol grip fog nozzles (discharge ranges Best at 700kPa
from 50 - 475 l/min)
Height Loss or Gain
Add 10kPa for each metre the nozzle is above the pump
Subtract 10kPa for each metre the nozzle is below the pump
Friction Loss (rule of thumb adopted by RFS)
Add 100kPa for 30 metre length at typical operating pressure
Pump Pressure Calculation
Hoses 100 kPa for each length 3x38mm = 300kPa
Pressure required at Nozzle 700kPa
Total 1,000kPa at pump
Tanker Protection System
Optimum pressure to operate Tanker Protection System is 300kPa
Each line of hose to supply water through pump relay should not be
expected to carry more than:
1000 l/min for 65mm hose
Hoses and Pressures 2 (Rough Guide)

Discharge Volumes
(Note: Dial-a-jet 3mm to 8mm, 38mm AWG 8mm and 65mm AWG 15mm)
Nozzle Size (mm) Pressure at Nozzle 500kPa Pressure at Nozzle 700kPa
Discharge (l/min) Discharge (l/min)
3 12 15
8 86 100
12 170 230
15 335 395
20 556 675
Draughting
Pressure at sea level is approximately 100kPa
If a perfect vacuum Maximum practical Maximum practical
(10kPa for 1 metre) lift for vehicle pump lift for portable pump
maximum lift would is 7 metres is 5 metres
be 10 metres
3.0 metres Pump efficiency 70%
5.0 metres Pump efficiency 60%
7.0 metres Pump efficiency 45 – 50%
Volume of Water in a Dam, etc.
Length (m) x width (m) x average depth (m) = cubic metres x 1,000 litres = volume
Volume of Water in a Cylindrical Tank
3.14 x radius2 (m) x height (m) = cubic metres x 1,000 litres = volume
Hoses and Pressures 2 NSW Rural Fire Service 59

Grid And Magnetic North NSW Rural Fire Service 60
Grid and Magnetic North

Topographic maps contain a GN Example
variation diagram depicting the TN MN
relationship between Grid and
Magnetic North and notes:
The angle between them
The year when this was correct GRID MAGNETIC
The value and the direction of ANGLE 10.7o
GRID
change over time (Note: the
CONVERGENCE
change is often in tenths of 1.3o
degrees for every 3 years)
Examples using 14o as variation
Converting a bearing from Converting a bearing from

Grid to Magnetic Magnetic to Grid
Grid Bearing 89o – 14o Magnetic Bearing 50o + 14o
= 75o Magnetic Bearing = 64o Grid Bearing
G M G M
14o 14o ?
?
A
50o
o
89
A
O O
Map Referencing
Six Figure Grid Reference
– Firstly quote the easting reference:
two digit figures along the top or bottom of map
one digit for the distance between grid lines, divided into 10 equal parts
– Secondly quote the northing reference
two digit figures on the sides of map
one digit for the distance between grid lines, divided into 10 equal parts
Example:
Allinga Road and Arizona Road intersection 59 4 21 7
Map Referencing NSW Rural Fire Service 61

Bush Fire Mapping Symbols NSW Rural Fire Service 62
RED – FIRE BLACK – CONTROL LINES BLUE – WRITING & SYMBOLS
Strategic or Tactical Command, Control Logistics Assets to be
Significance & Coordination Related Protected
Name Symbol Notes (DTG = Date Time Group)
PREDICTED (fire edge) Show DTG
GOING (fire edge) Show DTG
CONTAINED (fire edge) Show DTG
PROPOSED (control line) –x–x–x–x–x–x–x–x–x–x–x–x–x– Draw on far side of feature
COMPLETED (control line) +x+x+x+x+x+x+x+x+x+x+x+x+ Show DTG
PROPOSED (backburn) Draw on far side of feature
COMPLETED (backburn) Show DTG
BACKBURN BURNING IN Lines show depth of burn at DTG
FIRE ORIGIN RED Show DTG
FIRE DIRECTION BLUE F Show DTG
WIND DIRECTION BLUE W Show DTG
SPOT FIRE RED Isolated fire ahead of main fire
BURNT AREA BLACK Burnt Area (if old, show month & year)
AERIAL IGNITION RED Proposed path to be treated
DIVISIONAL BOUNDARY BLUE Use geographical names
SECTOR BOUNDARY BLUE OOOOO Use alphabetical names
REFUGE AREA BLUE R ESCAPE ROUTE (add arrow to show safe exit) BLUE E
CONTROL CENTRE BLUE CC
(Incident Management Team location)
DIVISIONAL COMMAND BLUE DC STAGING AREA (where resources are available) BLUE SA
SECTOR COMMAND BLUE SC BASE CAMP BLUE BC
HELIPAD BLUE AIRBASE (fixed wing and/or helicopter base) BLUE AIR
WATER POINT VEHICLE BLUE WV WATER POINT HELICOPTER BLUE WH

(Firefighting water supply) (Helicopter water supply)
AMBULANCE LOCATION BLUE AMB ABORIGINAL SITE OR ARTIFACTS BLUE A
THREATENED PROPERTY BLUE T ENDANGERED FLORA BLUE FL
HISTORICAL SITE (building or structures) BLUE HS ENDANGERED FAUNA BLUE FA

Map Marking Guide NSW Rural Fire Service 63

Media NSW Rural Fire Service 64
Media
The RFS uses the media to distribute public information during
emergencies and promote the image of the volunteers. The media
is a vital partner in ensuring the media and community are well informed.
A large proportion of media personnel across NSW have been trained by the RFS
to work in and around bush fires. Trained media personnel are aware of how the
RFS manages bush fires and the associated dangers.
Media are required to wear full PPE and carry an identification card when attending
the fireground.
Access to the fireground is at the discretion of the Incident Controller, News crews
should be given all reasonable assistance to accurately inform the community of
incidents of interest.
Media comment may only be made by the Incident Controller in compliance
with Service Standard 1.1.6 Media Relations to ensure accurate information
is provided.
Volunteers must not comment to the media on any issue where those comments
may be perceived as being the view or position of the Service.
All issues relating to media must be brought to the attention of the District/Team/
Zone Manager via the Incident Controller.
If you are asked to comment on political issues regarding the RFS, refer the
media to the FCO/District/Team/Zone Manager via the Incident Controller
If you are asked to comment about the overall strategy for a fire or incident refer
the media to the Incident Controller
You may provide general comments on what conditions are like or how you feel
at an incident, for example ‘It is extremely hot and the winds are erratic’, ‘It’s
tiring work and we can't wait for the cool change’ or ‘We are raking a trail down
Blue Gum Valley towards Green Creek’.
• TWEED HEADS
• BYRON BAY
LISMORE •
• TENTERFIELD
• MOREE
Map (State)
INVERELL • • GLEN • GRAFTON
BOURKE • WALGETT • INNES
Region North • COFFS HARBOUR
• GUNNEDAH
COONAMBLE •
• TAMWORTH • KEMPSEY
• PORT MACQUARIE
• WILCANNIA • COBAR • NYNGAN • GILGANDRA
• TAREE
• BROKEN HILL • FORSTER
Region West DUBBO •
WELLINGTON • SINGLETON • • NELSON BAY
NEWCASTLE •
CONDOBOLIN • • PARKES
BLAYNEY •
Region East
GOSFORD •
WEST WYALONG • COWRA • • SYDNEY
• WENTWORTH • GRIFFITH
HAY • • WOLLONGONG
BALRANALD • GOULBURN • • KIAMA
JUNEE • YASS • NOWRA •
WAGGA WAGGA •
Region South ACT • BATEMANS BAY
• MOAMA • ALBURY
• COOMA
NSW Rural Fire Service

• BEGA
• EDEN
65
Incident Control System 1 NSW Rural Fire Service 66
Incident Control System 1

SMALL INCIDENT (up to 5 appliances – 20 personnel)
Incident Control
Operations All functions carried out by
Planning one officer at the incident
Logistics
MEDIUM INCIDENT (5 to 10 appliances – 40 personnel)

These functions carried out by one officer
Incident Control
located close to the incident liaising with
Planning
other agencies (Police, NSWFB,
Logistics
Ambulance, Elecricity Authority, etc.)
Operations role delegated to a
Operations
second officer at the incident
Sector Sector
LARGE INCIDENT (10 to 20 appliances – 100 personnel)

Incident Control These functions carried out by three
officers located at the Incident Control
Operations Planning Centre liaising with other agencies. The
Logistics Operations Officer may be at the incident
Sector Sector Sector Commanders at the incident

Incident Control System 2 (continued)

VERY LARGE INCIDENT
Incident Controller
Deputy IC Deputy IC
Media Management
Operations Safety Planning Logistics
Liaison Support
Officer Advisor Officer Officer
Officer Officer
Divisional Operations Air Operations Community Situation Support Services

Commander Communications Manager Liaison Officer Mapping Supply Facilities
Sector Aircraft Officer Resources
Ground Support Catering
Commander Air Attack Information
Supervisor Logistics Medical
Communications
Air/Heli Base Finance
Manager Staging Area
Coordinator Accommodation
Air Observer
Basecamp Coordinator

INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM
Incident Controller
Operations Officer Planning Officer Logistics Officer
Staging Area
North Division Air Operations South Division
Sector Sector Sector Sector Sector Sector

A B C D E F
SA
Divisions – use geographical names

Sectors – use alphabetical names
State Assistance
STRIKE TEAM Five fire fighting appliances that have an established minimum
number of personnel. Strike teams always have a leader in a
separate vehicle and a common communication system.
STRIKE TEAM Located in the field and responsible for five appliances.
LEADER The Strike Team Leader is NOT the Sector Commander
STRIKE
TEAM LEADER but is there purely to ensure Strike Team is tasked and
is responsible for their welfare and reports to the
Response Team Coordinator.
TASK FORCE A combination of units or equipment assembled for a specific task,
ie. bulk water carriers or heavy plant. Task forces always have a
leader in a separate vehicle and a common communication system.
TASK FORCE Located in the field and responsible for the units or equipment.
LEADER The Task Force Leader is there purely to lead the Task Force,
be responsible for their welfare and reports to the Response
Team Coordinator.
RESPONSE A Response Team is one of more Strike Teams and/or
TEAM Task Forces.
RESPONSE Located in the Incident Control Centre as part of the
TEAM Incident Management Team and responsible for up to
RESPONSE TEAM
COORDINATOR CO-ORDINATOR five Strike Teams/Task Forces. Must ensure that they
are suitably tasked and is responsible for their welfare.
Each appliance should have: Each crew member should have:

single resource T Cards full bush fire fighting wet weather gear
sufficient non-perishable personal protective medication & sunscreen
crew field rations for equipment (PPE) sleeping bag or swag
24 hours drink bottle casual clothes
sufficient crew drinking authority card personal requirements
water for 24 hours
an esky
State Assistance NSW Rural Fire Service 69

Convoy Driving NSW Rural Fire Service 70
Convoy Driving
Task Force Co-ordinator or Strike Team Leader to brief drivers
Strike team of 5 appliances plus Strike Team Leader
Briefing Departure time
Destination
Estimated time of arrival
Route
Stopping points and length of stops
Driver changeover
Meals
Fuel
Order of vehicles
Stick to that order
Communication channel
Use of lights and sirens
Spacing of vehicles Minimum 200m – maximum 500m on open road
Minimum 50m in built up or urban areas
Minimum 5km between strike teams
Phonetic Alphabet
8 km
8 cm
1:50 000
1:25 000
SCALE
Alpha November
7
7
0
0
Bravo Oscar
Charlie Papa
6
6
Delta Quebec
0.5
5
5
1
Echo Romeo
Foxtrot Sierra
4
4
Golf Tango
3
3
Hotel Uniform
2
1
India Victor
2
2
Juliet Whiskey 1.5
Kilo X-Ray
1
1
Lima Yankee
1:100 000 0
1:1 0
Mike Zulu
SCALE
4 km
2 km
Phonetic Alphabet / Map Scales NSW Rural Fire Service 71

Communications Colour Codes NSW Rural Fire Service 72
Communications Colour Codes
KNOW YOUR
RADIO
COMMUNICATIONS
PRIORITY CODE!
LIFE THREATENING SITUATION
Unit or crew in life threatening danger
URGENT FIRE MESSAGE

Urgent assistance needed
but the unit or crew not in danger
GENERAL FIRE MESSAGE
Operational incident related call
LOGISTIC OTHER MESSAGE

General non-incident related call
PROWORDS THAT DETERMINE

THE PRIORITY OF MESSAGES
Communications Definitions
Affirmative Yes/correct
All stations General call to all stations on a network
Cancel Ignore my previous instruction or request
Clear End of my transmission, no reply expected
Clear to you End of transmission to you, will now transmit to another unit
Confirm Verify this statement
Copied Message received and understood
Correction Incorrect message, the correct message is…
Disregard Ignore my previous statement or information
ETA Estimated time of arrival
ETD Estimated time of departure
Incident call Report of a new incident
Go ahead Permission to transmit or reply
Grid Map grid references to follow
I say again Repeating my last transmission
Negative No/incorrect/permission not granted
Nothing heard No reply to transmission received
Over Transmission is over, a reply may be transmitted
Read back I repeat all or part to confirm your last message OR you
repeat back the key points of the last message I sent you
Roger Message received and understood
Say again Repeat all or part of your last transmission to me
SitRep Situation report to be transmitted
Stand by I must pause, will transmit when ready
Understood Message understood
Communications Definitions NSW Rural Fire Service 73
Communications Networks NSW Rural Fire Service 74
Communications Networks
Government Radio Network (GRN) [UHF]
Trunked radio network. Generally used for Command and Control
You can communicate if in range of any GRN repeater within the “network”
Channels 158 – 165 can be allocated by State Operations
State Operations 166 Region Channels 167 – 174 District Channels 175 – 214
Private Mobile Radio (PMR) [UHF]
Local radio repeater network
You can communicate if in range of the repeater
Repeater Channels 1 – 8 for emergency fireground use
Channels 18 – 116 + 218 – 224
Strategic Network (STRAT NET) [UHF]
PMR to provide a point to point network between State Operations, Regional Offices
and all Fire Control Centres around the State.
Generally used for communications between Senior Commanders
Channels 117 – 146
Simplex Channels (Car to Car) [UHF]
Short range line of sight communication between units
RFS Channels 9 – 12 Other Agency Liaison Channels 13 – 17 (see next page)
Liaison Channels [UHF]
For communications between NSW RFS, NSWFB, NSW SES, NSW Ambulance.
Liaison Channels 147 – 156 can be allocated by State Operations
Fireground Radios [VHF]
Repeater Channels 1 – 4 for emergency fireground use
Fireground Channels 1 – 20 allocated by local arrangement
NOTE: Fireground Channels 10 – 20 within Region East are allocated to specific Districts
CB Radios [UHF]
Community radio controlled by convention rather than legislation and is a non-
secure and non controlled network
Communication with Aircraft
Communication with an individual aircraft or an Air Attack Supervisor where multiple
aircraft, when approved by the Incident Controller may be on the PMR or GRN
local network. See also page 43
Agency Liaison Channels

NSW RFS NSWFB NSW SES NSW Ambulance
SIMPLEX SIMPLEX SIMPLEX SIMPLEX
(Z1) 13 SIMP (Z13) GRN (S) 211-SIMP- (Z6) 11 GRN S1
SHR 1 SMPX 1 SHR-1
SHR 2 SMPX 2 SHR-2
SHR 3 SMPX 3 SHR-3
SHR 4 SMPX 4 SHR-4
SHR 5 SMPX 5 SHR-5
Remember: other agencies may be using channels. Range can be up to 20km
Agency Liaison Channels NSW Rural Fire Service 75

Service Vehicle Involved In An Accident 1 NSW Rural Fire Service 76
Service Vehicle Involved In

An Accident 1
Stop, assess damage, any injuries and provide first aid if required
Notify FireCom, Police and other emergency services to be called
if required
Accident with minor damage Driver is to remain at accident scene
only and no injuries to exchange particulars – Vehicle
and crew may continue response
with another driver if initial
emergency call was for a potential
life threatening situation
FireCom to arrange transport for driver
Accident with substantial Driver, crew and vehicle to remain at
damage or any injury accident scene – another vehicle to be
requiring treatment by responded to initial emergency call
a health professional
Service Vehicle Involved In

An Accident 2 (checklist)
Record the following:
Date and time of accident
Location of accident
Date, time and details of the incident to which responded
Responding – Lights? Siren?
RFS Vehicle Other Vehicle/s
& Crew and Passengers
Driver’s name, address & licence No.
Officer in Charge – name and rank
Crew /passengers and names
Injuries sustained, names and details
Injured to which Hospital
Vehicle make, type, year,
registration number & roadworthiness
Insurance company
Extent of damage to vehicle
Approximate speed of vehicle/s
Were seatbelts being worn?
Road and weather conditions
Police, Ambulance, Rescue, CSI or
Accident Investigation in attendance
CISS or Chaplaincy required
Witnesses’ names and addresses
Report to Police
Service Vehicle Involved In An Accident 2 NSW Rural Fire Service 77

Critical Incident Support Services NSW Rural Fire Service 78
Critical Incident
Support Services (CISS) CISS
The role of CISS is to provide support to all members, as
individuals or as a group, of the NSW Rural Fire Service,
including Volunteers and Staff who may be experiencing a
critical incident stress reaction following an operational incident.
Members are affected in different ways by incidents and it is the reaction of
the individual, which makes the incident critical.
Support and assistance, 24 hours a day, may be:
On-scene during protracted incidents
Less formal defusing soon after the incident
Debriefing one to seven days after the incident
Facilitate ongoing support as required
In person or by telephone
Total confidentiality is maintained and no information regarding name,
personal reactions, feelings, problems or behaviour will be recorded or
disclosed unless requested by that member.
Contact Procedures
The CISS Duty Officer, who is supported by more than 40 specially trained
Volunteers and Staff, may be contacted through State Operations on:
1800 049 933

Chaplaincy
The role of the Chaplain is to minister to the spiritual
welfare (irrespective of religion or denominational affiliation)
of all members of the NSW Rural Fire Service, including
Volunteers and Staff and their families and includes the provision of morale
and welfare support for:
The death of any member of the Service in the line of Duty
Serious injury and hospitalisation of any member whilst on Duty
Death of any member or member’s next of kin
A member or a member’s next of kin transferred to Sydney for hospitalisation,
or to any major Regional hospital within NSW or the ACT
Members at an incident involving fatalities at the Senior Officer request
Members at any protracted search and rescue operation involving Rural Fire
Service Personnel
Members at extended operations, during s44 bush fire or other emergencies
at the request of State Operations, the Region or the Incident Controller
Members at any other incident where Senior Operations Staff require the
attendance of the Chaplain
Contact Procedures
The Senior Chaplain, Captain Ron Anderson, who
is supported by more than 50 Volunteer Chaplains,
may be contacted through State Operations on: CHAPLAIN
1800 049 933

Chaplaincy NSW Rural Fire Service 79
Bush Fire Definitions 1 NSW Rural Fire Service 80
Bush Fire Definitions 1

Fireground Area affected or likely to be affected by fire
Strategies A statement detailing how an objective is to be
achieved, determined by the Incident Controller
Tactic Tasking of personnel and resources to implement the
incident strategies. On larger fires normally determined
at division or sector level
Ground Fire A slow burning fire, burning underground in fuels
such as peat or humus
Surface Fire A fire that travels above the surface in grass, low scrub,
leaves and litter
Crown Fire A fire, usually fast moving, burning in the crowns of the
trees and supported by fire below in the ground fuel
Spot Fire Isolated fire started ahead of the main fire by sparks,
embers or other ignited material, sometimes a distance
of several kilometres
Direct A method of suppression where wet or dry firefighting
Attack techniques are used right on the fire edge. The fire edge
then becomes the containment line
Parallel A method of suppression in which the fireline is
Attack constructed approximately parallel to and just far enough
away from the fire edge (heat and smoke) to enable fire
fighters and equipment to work effectively and safely
Indirect A method of suppression where backburning is used
Attack within an area defined by prepared control lines,
generally existing, which may be a considerable
distance ahead of the fire
Bush Fire Definitions 2

Backburning Firefighting strategy, as part of an overall plan. A fire
started intentionally along the inner edge of a fireline to
consume the fuel in the path of a bush fire, either in a
parallel attack or an indirect attack to widen an existing
containment line
Hazard Removal of combustible fuels by hand clearing,
Reduction machine clearing or prescribed burning
Prescribed The controlled application of fire under specified
Burning/Burn Off environmental conditions to a predetermined area and at
the time, intensity and rate of spread required to attain
planned prescription
Bush Fire Definitions 2 NSW Rural Fire Service 81

Parts of a Bush Fire NSW Rural Fire Service 82
Parts of a Bush Fire

Within the perimeter there may be burning areas, smouldering areas and
blackened areas as well as pockets of unburnt fuel. The point of origin may
readily be identified or it may require fire investigation to determine
the location.
Rear of Heel
Point of origin
Flanks/sides
Finger
Unburnt
pocket or island
Flanks/sides
Finger
Finger
Spot Fire
Grassland Curing Guide

Cured % Colour Physiological changes
0 Green From germination to start of seed
head development
20-30 Greenish-yellow Seed head maturing and
opening from top
40 Yellow-green
60 Straw. Odd patch Seed dropped, half to one third of
of green or most stems green. Some paddocks
yellow-green fully cured, others green
80 Straw. Very little Some greenness in lower third of
green showing stalks. Many stalks fully cured
anywhere
90 Straw. Odd stalks may show
Odd green gully some greenness
100 Bleached All stalks fully cured, seed heads
and stalks starting to break easily
Grassland Curing Guide NSW Rural Fire Service 83

Fuel Moisture Content NSW Rural Fire Service 84
Fuel Moisture Content

The Single Leaf Test
Sheltered from any wind, light the end of a dead leaf and once lit, take the
ignition source away. The aim is to discover the angle at which a small flame
neither goes out nor flares up.
WET
Leaf burns only if straight down or doesn’t burn at all
All fuels in area too wet to be burnt
MOIST
Leaf burns if angled downwards but not if level
Fine fuels from area will only burn if on slope or in wind
BORDERLINE
Leaf burns if level but not angled upwards
Fine fuels from this position will burn very slowly unless
helped by wind, slope and fuel continuity
DRY
Leaf can be angled upwards and still burn
Fine fuels from area are dry enough to burn
TOO DRY
Leaf burns if held straight up
All fine fuels very dry and flammable, fire will run up
stringybark trees. Spotting likely, especially if windy
Assessing Fine Fuel Load

The knee-waist-shoulder method
Fine fuels occur mostly as litter on the ground or standing scrub. To assess fine
fuel load, find a typical site and estimate the percentage cover of litter and
scrub in a 2 metre radius:
1. Estimate ground litter fuels
Estimate litter cover in %
Estimate litter depth in cm 2m
2m
Every 10% of cover x 2cm litter depth = 1 tonne/ha
Example: 90% litter (10% bare) x 4cm
litter depth = 18 tonnes/ha
2. Estimate scrub fuels SHOULDER
}
1.5m Every 20%
Divide scrub into
coverage =
layers of 0.5m 1 tonne/ha
Estimate % of cover WAIST
}
1m Every 20%
for each layer
coverage =
Every 20% of cover 1 tonne/ha
KNEE
per layer = 1 tonne/ha
}
0.5m Every 20%
coverage =
1 tonne/ha
3. Calculate total fine fuels
Total fire fuels = ground litter + all 3 scrub layers
Assessing Fuel Loads NSW Rural Fire Service 85

Estimating Degree of Slope NSW Rural Fire Service 86
Estimating Degree Of Slope

45o 1 in 1
30o 1 in 2
20o 1 in 3
10o 1 in 6
5o 1 in 10
3oo 1 in 20
0 0 in 0
Degrees Degrees
(approx) Gradient Description (approx) Gradient Description
45 1 in 1 Very Steep 10 1 in 6 Moderate/Steep
A dangerous slope Too steep to cycle
30 1 in 2 Steep 5 1 in 10 Moderate
Difficult to climb Cycling difficult
20 1 in 3 Steep 3 1 in 20 Gradual
Steepest of roads 0 0 in 0 Level
Construction Rates
For Handcrews Construction rates will depend on:
Size, experience and fitness of crew
Environmental conditions such as weather
Nature of the fuels
Ground and terrain
Time Construction Rates
Worked Efficiency 12 tonnes per ha 20 tonnes per ha
(hours) (m/hour) (m/hour)
1-2 100% 250 100
3 97% 240 97
5 69% 170 69
8 40% 100 40
10 33% 82 33
For Machines Construction rates will depend on:

Type and power of machine
Experience of operator
Nature of the fuels including size and density of standing trees
Ground and terrain
Construction Rates (in areas with no rocks or hazards)
Bulldozer 12 tonnes per ha 20 tonnes per ha
(m/hour) (m/hour)
Slope 0o-10o 10o-20o 20o-30o 0o-10o 10o-20o 20o-30o
D4 800 600 300 450 350 200
D6 850 700 400 500 400 250
D7 900 800 600 700 550 400
D8 1000 900 750 850 750 650
Note: grader in grassland with 0-15 o slope 2000-6000m/hour
Observe a safety distance for personnel of 30 metres or more
Construction Rates NSW Rural Fire Service 87
NSW Fire Areas Map NSW Rural Fire Service 88
NSW Fire Areas

NSW Fire Areas Showing Local Government Areas
1. Far North Coast 4. Greater Sydney 10. Central Ranges 14.Upper Central
Ballina Region Bathurst Regional West Plains 18. Southern Riverina
Byron All Sydney Blayney Bogan Berrigan
Clarence Valley Metropolitan Councils Cabonne Coonamble Conargo
NSW Fire Areas

Kyogle Plus Gosford, Blue Cowra Gilgandra Corowa
Lismore Mountains, Lithgow City Warren Deniliquin
Richmond Valley Hawkesbury and Mid Western Regional 15.Lower Central Jerilderie
Tweed Wyong Oberon West Plains Murray
2. North Coast 5. Illawarra/Shoalhaven Orange Bland Urana
Bellingen Kiama Wellington Dubbo Wakool
Coffs Harbour Shellharbour 11. New England Forbes 19. Northern Riverina
Gloucester Shoalhaven Armidale Dumaresq Lachlan Carrathool
Great Lakes Wingecarribee Glen Innes/Severn Narromine Griffith
Greater Taree Wollondilly Guyra Parkes Hay
Hastings Wollongong Tenterfield Temora Leeton
Kempsey 6. Far South Coast Uralla Weddin Murrumbidgee
Nambucca Bega Valley Walcha 16. Southern Slopes Narrandera

3. Greater Hunter Eurobodalla 12. Northern Slopes Boorowa 20. South Western
Cessnock 7. Monaro/Alpine Gunnedah Cootamundra Balranald
Dungog Bombala Gwydir Gundagai Wentworth
Lake Macquarie Cooma Manaro Inverell Harden 21. Far Western
Maitland Snowy River Liverpool Plains Tumbarumba Bourke
Muswellbrook 8. ACT Tamworth Regional Tumut Brewarrina
Newcastle Australian Capital 13. North Western Young Broken Hill
Port Stephens Territory Moree Plains 17. Eastern Riverina Central Darling
Singleton 9. Southern Ranges Narrabri Albury City Cobar
Upper Hunter Greater Argyle Walgett Coolamon Unicorporated NSW
Greater Queanbeyan City Warumbungles Greater Hume
Palerang Junee
NSW Rural Fire Service

Upper Lachlan Lockhart
Yass Valley Wagga Wagga
89
Weather 1 NSW Rural Fire Service 90
Weather 1
High Pressure System
High pressure systems provide dry, warm weather with the possibility of a lead up to
critical fire weather. Winds circulate anti-clockwise.
Isobars showing a ridge or wedge of high pressure
Low Pressure System

Winds circulate clockwise
Isobars and winds of a typical low

Weather 2
Wind Strength
Wind strength according to pressure gradient
Frontal System
When one air mass moves into an area occupied by another, the two do not mix
substantially unless their temperature and moisture are similar. A boundary zone
known as a front forms between the two.
Weather 2 NSW Rural Fire Service 91

Organisational Chart NSW Rural Fire Service 92
Commissioner
Operations &
Operations Strategic Commissioner’s Administration Community Corporate
Regional
Support Development Office & Finance Safety Communications
Management
Operations Community
Engineering Information Staff Media & Public
Policy & Hazards
Services Services Services Affairs
Standards Management
Learning & Corporate

Administrative Business Fire
Aviation Development Planning &
Services Development Investigation
Systems Performance
Health, Strategic
Operational Financial Natural Ministerial
Safety & Project
Communications Services Environment Liaison
Welfare Office
Operational Strategic
Chaplaincy Development Volunteer
Planning & Policy &
Services Control Relations
Development Standards
Region Community Executive

East Education Committees
Risk
Region
Management
North
Performance
Region
South
Region
West
Commissioner
Executive Director, Operations and Regional Management, Assistant Commissioner
Director Regional Management
State Operations Regions

(Managers – Chief Superintendents) (Managers – Chief Superintendents)
Operations, Operational
Operational
Policy & Aviation Planning & East North South West
Comms
Standards Development
District/Team/Zone Manager – Superintendent
Operations Community Learning & Inspector

Business
Officer – Safety Development
Officer
Inspector Officer Officer Group Captain
Fire Learning & Deputy Group Captain

Operations
Investigation Development
Support
Officer Support Brigades
Captain
Senior Deputy Captain
Deputy Captain
Brigade Member
Operations Chart NSW Rural Fire Service 93

Combat Agency Functions NSW Rural Fire Service 94
Combat Agency Functions

State Emergency and Rescue Management Act, 1989
The State Emergency and Rescue Management Act sets out the State arrangements
for Emergency Management and Rescue Management. Under the provisions of
the SERM Act, the State recognises three levels of management, which are
State, District and Local Levels. All three levels are required to prepare and
maintain a Disaster Plan (Displan) for the Prevention, Preparation, Response and
Recovery of emergency events. The arrangements outlined within these plans
can be used to support Combat Agency Operations or Emergencies.
Local Level (by Local Government Areas)
LEMC Local Emergency Management Committee chaired by a Local
Government Representative
LEOC Local Emergency Operations Centre
LEOCON Local Emergency Operations Controller – Senior member of
the NSW Police Service in the Local Government Area
LEMO Local Emergency Management Officer – Executive Support
provided by the Council
Local Displan Prepared for each Local Government Area and also includes
Evacuation and Road Closure sub-plans
Note: The RFS is the combat agency for rural fires (Class 1, 2 or 3) and under the
SERM Act, assistance from other combat agencies and support agencies
may be requested and provided.
Combat Agencies
Combat agency for all aviation accidents
Responsible for all rescues
Provide accredited rescue units in defined
Police local areas
Support other combat agencies when requested
Provide SEOCON, DEOCON & LEOCON
under SERM Act
Combat Agency for urban fires (in the Fire
District) and HazMats (State wide)
NSW Fire Brigades
local areas
Combat Agency for floods, storms and tempest
State Emergency Service Provide accredited rescue units in defined
local areas
Rural Fire Service Combat Agency for rural fires (in the Rural
Fire District and declarations under s44)
Volunteer Rescue Association
local areas
Provide medical treatment and transportation
Ambulance Service of NSW Provide accredited rescue units in defined
local areas
Mines Rescue Provide rescue services at designated mines
Responsible for clean up operations within
EPA, MSB Port Authority their area of responsibility
Combat Agency for exotic animal and
NSW Agriculture
plant diseases
Combat Agencies NSW Rural Fire Service 95

Epaulettes 1 NSW Rural Fire Service 96
Commissioner Assistant Chief Superintendent

Commissioner Superintendent
Inspector Group Deputy Group

Captain Captain
RURAL FIRE
SERVICE
Captain Senior Deputy Deputy Member

Captain Captain
COMMUNICATIONS COMMUNICATIONS COMMUNICATIONS COMMUNICATIONS
Communications Communications Communications Communications

Captain Senior Deputy Captain Deputy Captain Member
CATERING CATERING CATERING CATERING
Catering Catering Senior Catering Catering

Captain Deputy Captain Deputy Captain Member
CADETS CADETS CADETS CADETS
Cadet Cadet Deputy Cadet Cadet Adult

Coordinator Coordinator Instructor Member
CADETS CADETS CADETS CADETS
Cadet Cadet Senior Cadet Deputy Cadet

Captain Deputy Captain Captain (Green)
(Green) (Green) (Green)
Apart from the epaulettes shown, no other

epaulettes shall be used.
CHAPLAIN Epaulettes supplied through the Rural Fire
Chaplain Service are proban treated.
Epaulettes 2 NSW Rural Fire Service 97

Helmet Colours 1 NSW Rural Fire Service 98
Assistant Chief
Commissioner Commissioner Superintendent
Superintendent Inspector Group Captain
Deputy Senior
Group Captain Captain Deputy Captain
Deputy Captain Member Trainee
Communications Communications
Training Instructor Captain Senior Deputy Captain
Communications Communications
Deputy Captain Member Catering Captain

Catering Senior Catering

Deputy Captain Deputy Captain Catering Member
Cadet Cadet Deputy Cadet

Coordinator Coordinator Instructor
Adult Cadet Member

and Cadet RFS Media Officer RFS Media Liaison
Media Fire Investigation Chaplain
Critical Incident Surname

Support Services Back of Helmet
Names on helmets are optional but if used, the name shall be placed centrally
across the back of the helmet as low to the base as possible. Names shall be
the Surname (Last Name) only in Helvetica Narrow Bold 25mm high x maximum
140mm long in reflective lettering 3M 680 CR or equivalent. (Black lettering for
White, Orange and Yellow helmets, White lettering for Red, Black, Blue and
Purple helmets and Green lettering for Cadets).
Yellow fluorescent and retroflective tape supplied and affixed to all new
helmets (bush fire and structural) is not to be removed or obscured.
Apart from the markings noted above NO other markings shall appear
on RFS helmets

Tabards & Brassards 1 NSW Rural Fire Service 102
INCIDENT DEPUTY INCIDENT SAFETY RFS MEDIA

CONTROLLER CONTROLLER ADVISOR LIAISON OFFICER
MEDIA OFFICER
Incident Deputy Incident Safety RFS Media

Controller Controller Advisor Liaison
OPERATIONS PLANNING LOGISTICS COMMUNITY

OFFICER OFFICER OFFICER LIAISON OFFICER
COMMUNITY
OPERATIONS PLANNING LIAISON OFFICER
Operations Planning Logistics Community

Officer Officer Officer Liaison Officer
SECTOR STAGING AREA

COMMANDER CO-ORDINATOR
MANAGEMENT
SUPPORT
Divisional Sector Staging Area Management

Commander Commander Coordinator Support Officer
AIR BASE CAMP

OPERATIONS CO-ORDINATOR SECURITY
MANAGER
AIR
OPERATIONS
Air Operations Base Camp

Manager Coordinator Security
AIR BASE AIR BASE RESPONSE TEAM NSW RURAL FIRE SERVICE
MANAGER SAFETY ADVISOR CO-ORDINATOR MEDIA LIAISON
Air Base Air Base Response Team RFS Fireground

Manager Safety Advisor Coordinator Media Liaison
AIRCRAFT GROUND STRIKE NSW RURAL FIRE SERVICE

OFFICER CREW TEAM LEADER PHOTOGRAPHER
Aircraft Air Base Strike Team RFS

Officer Ground Crew Leader Photographer
MEDIA ESCORT
Media
Escort

OTHER TABARDS
FIRE FIRE RESEARCH

INVESTIGATION CHAPLAIN CISS
Fire House Loss Chaplain Critical

Investigation Surveys & Incident
Research Support
Services
INCIDENT OPERATIONS
BACO CONTROLLER OFFICER
NSW RURAL FIRE SERVICE
COMMANDER
Breathing Fireground Fireground RFS

Apparatus Incident Operations Commander
Control Officer Controller Officer for joint agency
for Class 1 for Class 1 operations
incidents incidents
where RFS is where NSWFB
the primary is the primary
combat agency combat agency
RFS LIAISON
OFFICER
and RFS RURAL FIRE
SERVICE
undertakes the
operations role
RFS Liaison RFS Safety
Officer Vest
Apart from the tabards and brassards shown,

NO other tabards and brassards shall be used.
Finding North by using your watch and the sun

In March and September the sun rises due east and sets due west. At midday,
when the sun is at its highest point in the sky, it can be taken as being due north.
You can quickly find approximate north, whenever the sun is visible, by pointing 12
o’clock on your watch to the sun and north is then halfway between 12 o’clock and
the hour hand.
Finding South by the stars

At night, if the Southern
Cross is visible, you can
locate due south by
drawing imaginary lines in
the sky as shown in the
diagram. The stars revolve
around the “South Pole” in
the sky during the night and
as the seasons progress
but the same construction
of lines will define the
“South Pole”.
Finding North ~ Finding South NSW Rural Fire Service 105

Vehicle Categories 1 NSW Rural Fire Service 106
Vehicle Categories 1
(nominal weights & dimensions)
Category 1
Heavy Bush Fire Tanker
Weight 13,000kg
Length 7,800mm
Height 3,200mm
Width 2,400mm
Water Capacity 3,001-4,000 litres
Category 2
Medium Bush Fire Tanker
Weight 10,000kg
Length 7,600mm
Height 3,050mm
Width 2,400mm
Water Capacity 1,601-3,000 litres
Category 7
Light Bush Fire Tanker - Single Cab
Weight 6,000kg
Length 5,200mm
Height 2,700mm
Width 2,100mm
Water Capacity 801-1,600 litres
Vehicle Categories 2
Category 7
Light Bush Fire Tanker - Crew Cab
Weight 6,000kg
Length 6,150mm
Height 2,700mm
Width 2,100mm
Water Capacity 801-1,600 litres
Category 9
Striker/Mop-up
Weight Varies
Length 4,500mm
Height 1,900mm
Width 1,950mm
Water Capacity 350-800 litres
Pumper
Category 11 Urban Pumper
Weight 10,000kg
Length 7,400mm
Height 2,900mm
Width 2,700mm
Water Capacity 1,601+ litres
Vehicle Categories 2 NSW Rural Fire Service 107

USAR Symbols 1 NSW Rural Fire Service 108
The International Search and Rescue Advisory Group

(INSARAG)
Urban Search and Rescue (USAR)

Standard Marking System
An integrated, multi-agency response, to locate, provide initial medical care and
remove entrapped persons from damaged structures in a safe and expeditious manner
A hazardous environment where rescuer safety is the primary consideration:
– DO NOT enter a USAR site unless instructed to do so by an authorised person
– DO NOT enter confined spaces unless trained and authorised
– Wear full personal protective equipment including goggles and gloves
– If entering a site, request dust mask, knee and elbow protection and a head torch
A site is divided into ‘Hot’, ‘Warm’ and ‘Cold’ Zones
Hot Zone Warm Zone

(Collapse Hazard Area) (Operational Work Area)
marked by perimeter fence with marked by perimeter fence with a
crossed barrier tape single horizontal barrier tape
Collapsed structure is divided clockwise into quadrants A to D
– the centre core (optional) is identified as E
– multi-storey structures have each floor marked as viewed from the exterior
Quadrant B Quadrant C
Quadrant A Quadrant D
Front of Structure
Structure Assessment Marking
1m x 1m box at the primary access When assessment is complete, a circle

point containing all information required is drawn around but this does not
by rescue teams mean the rescue task is complete
Victim Marking
A large ‘V’ is drawn near the location of An arrow is drawn beside the ‘V’ to
known or potential victim/s indicating indicate location of the victim/s has
the number of living and dead been confirmed
A line drawn through the ‘L’ or ‘D’ A line is drawn through the ‘V’ when
indicates the victims that have extrication is complete. A line through
been extricated the ‘V’ and a circle indicate all victims
removed and rescue team has moved on
USAR Symbols 2 NSW Rural Fire Service 109
Conversion Table
Distance
1km = 1,000m = 0.62 miles
1.61 km = 1 mile
Area
1 hectare = 100,000 sq m = 2.47 acres
0.405ha = 1 acre
100ha = 1 sq km
2.59 sq km = 1 sq mile
Volume (liquids)
4.55 litres = 1 gallon
1,000 litres = 1 cubic metre = 1tonne = 220 gallons
1 litre (water) = 1 kilogram
Speed
1km/hour = 0.54 knots/hour = 0.62 miles/hour
1.85 km/hour = 1knot/hour = 1.15 miles/hour
Temperature
o
C x 9/5 + 32 = oF
(oF - 32) x 5/9 = oC
Conversion Table NSW Rural Fire Service 110

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Phil Koperberg AO, AFSM, BEM

December 2004 ~ Version 1.0 NSW Rural Fire Service

Index 2 NSW Rural Fire Service

I’M SAFE – should I respond to an incident?

Acronyms ~ I’M SAFE / LACES NSW Rural Fire Service 1

ARSO – your priorities at an indicent

DTG ~ Date Time Group

SMEACS – a briefing sequence

Briefing – at large incidents

Acronym ~ SMEAC, Briefing NSW Rural Fire Service 3

Personal Protective Equipment 1

Personal Protective Equipment 2

Rank Epaulette Rank Epaulette

PPE 2 – Offensive Structural NSW Rural Fire Service 5

Dead Man Zone

Emergency Procedure (Bush Fire)

Emergency Procedure (Structure Fire)

Bush Fire Survival if in a vehicle

Survival – in vehicle NSW Rural Fire Service 7

Bush Fire Survival if on foot

• Don’t panic or cause others to panic

Bush Fire Survival if in a building

• Don’t panic or cause others to panic

Survival – in a building NSW Rural Fire Service 9

CAFFEINATED AND SUGARY DRINKS AND ALCOHOL

Radio Reports NSW Rural Fire Service 11

Safe Driving 2 NSW Rural Fire Service 13

Authority Card Front

Authority Card Back

Authority of Officers 2 NSW Rural Fire Service 17

HazChem Scale for Fire or Spillage

Dangerous Goods Classes

5.1 Oxidizing substances

1 Explosives 5.2 Organic peroxides

2.1 Flammable gases 6.1 Toxic substances

2.2 Oxidizing gas 7 Radioactive material

2.3 Toxic gases 7 Radioactive material

3 Flammable liquids 8 Corrosive substances

4.1 Flammable solids 9 Miscellaneous dangerous

4.2 Substances liable

4.3 Substances that in Subsidiary risk label to be

Dangerous Goods NSW Rural Fire Service 19

HazMat / Terrorism 2 NSW Rural Fire Service 21

Biological Terrorism Guidelines

Radioactive Terrorism Guidelines

Chemical Terrorism Guidelines

Terrorism 2 NSW Rural Fire Service 23

NO-GO-ZONE – for up to 200,000 volts

Nozzle Size Pressure Minimum Disance from Conductor

Electricity 2 NSW Rural Fire Service 25

NO-GO-ZONE refer to table in Electricity 2 (page 25)

LOW VOLTAGE – 4 lines

Note: The neutral wire may be either side

Electricity 4 NSW Rural Fire Service 27

NO-GO-ZONE – WITHIN 8 METRES OF CONDUCTOR

Electricity 6 NSW Rural Fire Service 29

First Aid 2 NSW Rural Fire Service 31

First Aid 4 NSW Rural Fire Service 33

Recovery or stable side position

Fire Investigation and

SIGNAL RED ORANGE

LIME GREEN CANARY BLUE BELL