Washington State Patrol Office of the State Fire Marshal

1. Washington State Patrol Office of the State Fire Marshal Unit 7: Safety Aspects of State Mobilization

2. Washington State Patrol Office of the State Fire Marshal Unit Objectives • Identify potential dangers inherent in state mobilization incidents. • Define standard safety procedures/precautions that responders must use. • Describe injury and accident reporting procedures.

3. Washington State Patrol Office of the State Fire Marshal Potential Dangers • Extreme fire behavior • High temperatures • Smoke filled environment • Limited water supply • Downed power lines • LPG Tanks • Hazardous Materials • Animals and Critters (snakes) • Poisonous plants • Falling Trees, Rolling rocks and logs

4. Washington State Patrol Office of the State Fire Marshal Safety Precautions • Maintain LCES • Adhere to the 10 Standard Fire Orders and 18 Watch Outs • Manage fatigue • Get adequate rest • Stay hydrated (avoid caffeinated drinks) • Obtain a briefing • Know who you are working for • Understand your assignment • Acknowledge messages • Ask if you don’t know • Only accept assignments commensurate with your training and experience level

5. Washington State Patrol Office of the State Fire Marshal Safety Precautions • Wildland/Urban Interface • Do not commit to stay and protect a structure unless a safety zone for firefighters and equipment has been identified. • Move to the nearest safety zone, let the fire front pass, and return as soon as conditions allow. • Base all actions on current and expected fire behavior – Do this first! • Estimate the approaching fire intensity to determine whether there is an adequate safety zone and time available before the fire arrives. If in doubt, move personnel and equipment to safety. • Primary consideration is for the safety of the responders and apparatus!

6. Washington State Patrol Office of the State Fire Marshal Safety Precautions • Driving Safety • Remain aware of your surroundings. • Avoid excessive speed, especially on steep grades. • Headlights on for safety. • Increase following distance when traveling in a strike team. • Keep windshields clean. • Use emergency lights in heavy smoke or dust conditions. • Use a spotter when backing. • Do not drive through heavy smoke where you cannot see. • Use wheel chocks.

7. Washington State Patrol Office of the State Fire Marshal Accident / Injury Reporting • Vehicle accidents must be immediately reported to the Division Supervisor and Safety Officer. • The Safety Officer will investigate and document the accident. • Injuries must immediately be reported to the Division Supervisor who will in turn advise the Medical Unit. • The Medical Unit will provide or arrange for care of the injured person.

8. Washington State Patrol Office of the State Fire Marshal Accident / Injury Reporting • An employee of a fire service agency must report the injury to their home unit within 24 hours and complete and fax the following items to their home unit: • Personal Injury Notice (Appendix M of Mobilization Plan) • Medical Unit Report • Emergency Firefighter Time Report • Career members taken to the hospital should advise the facility that this is an on-duty injury covered by Washington State L&I. • Career members will list their home units as the employer on the L&I claim form. • Volunteer members will list the Washington State Patrol, Fire Protection Bureau as their employer. • Contact the WSP Mobilization Representative for assistance if needed.