Unit 8 Aerial Firefighting Strategy and Tactics

1. Unit 8Aerial Firefighting Strategy and Tactics

2. Unit 8 Objectives • Describe aerial fire suppression strategies and tactics. • List considerations in planning and implementation of tactical aviation operations. • Describe the use of tactical aircraft in wildland/urban interface.

3. Aerial Fire Suppression Strategies • Direct • Parallel • Indirect

4. Direct Attack Drops next to fire edge in support of ground forces. Remember: Aerial application of suppressants and retardant will be ineffective without ground support.

5. Direct Attack - Control Line handline

6. Direct Attack - Control Line handline

7. Direct Attack - Control Line handline

8. Parallel Attack Generally parallel to and within a hundred feet of the perimeter.

9. Parallel Attack handline

10. Parallel Attack handline

11. Parallel Attack handline

12. Parallel Attack handline

13. Indirect Attack Pre-treatment of fuels which are far removed from the main fire.

14. Indirect Line - Using Terrain handline

15. Indirect Line - Using Terrain handline

16. Indirect Line - Using Terrain handline

17. Indirect Line - Using Terrain handline

18. Indirect Line - Using Terrain handline

19. Aerial Fire Suppression Tactics • Box or “V” pattern • Parallel or stacking pattern • Full coverage drop

20. Small Fire Tactics - Box Pattern

21. Box Pattern

22. Box Pattern

23. Box Pattern

24. Box Pattern

25. Small Fire Tactics – Full Coverage Drop

26. Full Coverage Drop

27. Full Coverage Drop

28. Hot Spotting Hitting flare ups or hotspots directly on the flame.

29. Hot Spotting

30. Hot Spotting

31. Hot Spotting

32. Hot Spotting

33. General Tactical Considerations • Tactical plans are based on the chosen strategy and a working knowledge of the following principles: • Review tactical considerations, IASG Chapter 8

34. Initial Attack and Multiple Fire Operations • Assuming control of air operations in progress • Initial attack mission priorities • Initial attack responsibilities with no IC • Multiple fire situations • Delayed attack fires • Fuels • Available resources • Best aircraft for the mission

35. Coordination with Ground and Air Resources • Know the plan • Work together

36. Keep Ground Informed • Effectiveness of air operations • Problems with implementation of plan • Changes or adjustment in tactics

37. Communications are Critical OSC Aerial Supervisor Operations

38. Keep Communications Open Lead Plane ATGS Operations OSC

39. Keep Communications Open ATGS Lead Plane Operations OSC Pilots

40. Tactical Operations • No action • Direct Attack • Parallel Attack • Indirect Attack • Hot Spotting • Protective Action

41. No Action When: • Not needed • Not effective • Not safe

42. Protective Action • Defensive tactics • Protecting resources or structures

43. Control Lines • Direct, parallel, or indirect • Use long term retardants • Support with ground forces • Anchor points are important for all control lines

44. Wildland/Urban Interface Incidents

45. Wildland/Urban Interface • Policies and regulations • Hazards • Ground safety • Effectiveness of resources • Tactical planning principles

46. Wildland /Urban Interface Hazards • Poor visibility • Power lines (de-energize) • Antennas and tall structures • News media aircraft • Non-incident personnel

47. Unit 8 Exercise • Strategy and Tactics

48. Review Unit 8 Objectives • Describe aerial fire suppression strategies and tactics. • List considerations in planning and implementation of tactical aviation operations. • Describe the use of tactical aircraft in wildland/urban interface.