FEMA gives tips on combatting the effects of wildfire smoke

by AmericasFeatured NewsWildland Fire

Understanding wildfire smoke and its risks

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released guidance on mitigating the dangers posed by wildfire smoke. This noxious by-product of wildfires is a cocktail of gases and microscopic particles produced by the combustion of trees, plants, buildings, and other materials. This week has seen major cities in North America affected by smoke emitted by ongoing wildfires across Canada.

The agency warns that these pollutants can cause significant irritation to the respiratory system, particularly in individuals who are most vulnerable. This includes those suffering from asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), heart disease patients, children, pregnant individuals, seniors, and outdoor workers.

Key steps to minimise exposure to wildfire smoke

FEMA strongly advises the public to stay informed and be proactive in reducing their exposure to harmful wildfire smoke. Key steps include:

  • Regularly monitoring the Air Quality Index or consulting the Air Now Fire and Smoke Map for updates on air conditions.
  • Opting to stay indoors in cleaner air spaces if outdoor air quality is compromised.
  • Utilising air conditioners, heat pumps, fans, and window shades to maintain comfortable temperatures during hot days, whilst avoiding equipment that draws in air from outside.
  • Limiting strenuous outdoor activities when smoke levels are high, or choosing less strenuous exercises to lower smoke inhalation.
  • Wearing an N95 respirator to provide protection from inhaling wildfire smoke particles.
  • Engaging with healthcare providers to understand and implement additional protections against wildfire smoke.
  • Stocking up on necessary medications and supplies to limit outdoor shopping trips during smoky conditions. If available, home delivery services can be used to minimise outdoor exposure.

Essential tools to help communities brace for wildfire smoke

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides a Smoke Ready toolbox, designed to help communities better prepare for wildfire smoke. Additional resources include:

  • The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s smoke forecast tool, which provides Air Quality Forecast Guidance.
  • InciWeb, a resource for tracking the locations of active wildfires.
  • The guide, ‘Wildfire Smoke: A Guide for Public Health Officials’, to aid in planning for smoke events, ensuring public safety, and communicating health risks associated with wildfire smoke.

Preventing Wildfires: Collective Action Required

FEMA emphasises the importance of community involvement in reducing wildfire incidents and the subsequent harmful smoke. Simple, often low-cost measures can drastically reduce the potential for homes to ignite during a wildfire, preventing accidental ignitions and promoting safer communities.

Further information and resources

The US Fire Administration provides additional resources and information to assist communities in their efforts to become more resilient to wildfires. FEMA encourages everyone to learn more about how their communities can adapt to be more fire resistant which be found by clicking here.

America offers support to Canada amid wildfires

by AmericasFeatured NewsWildland Fire

In a recent call with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, US President Joe Biden extended further assistance to address the historic wildfires that are ravaging parts of Canada, as vast metropolitan areas in both countries have been shrouded in an orange haze.

The US President has ordered his team to dispatch all obtainable Federal firefighting assets, aiming to promptly aid in curbing the fires that are adversely impacting both Canadian and American communities.

This move is part of an ongoing effort by the United States to support its northern neighbour in battling these devastating fires. According to information provided during the call, the U.S. has already deployed over 600 American firefighters, support personnel, and other firefighting assets to aid in the Canadian crisis.

Continuing cooperation

The two leaders also discussed about fortifying ongoing cooperation to not only prevent such wildfires but also tackle the health repercussions these fires impose on the affected communities. In light of the persisting challenges, President Biden and Prime Minister Trudeau have pledged to maintain close communication about the emerging needs and response strategies.

The escalating wildfires, deemed both devastating and historically significant, have brought forth renewed cooperation between the two nations as they work jointly to protect communities and landscapes. The shared commitment illustrates a strengthening of ties between the US and Canada, as both countries face a common environmental adversary.

IFSJ Comment

The call underscores the crucial role that international collaboration plays in addressing larger scale environmental crises. As the situation unfolds, both countries continue to demonstrate their resilience and shared dedication to overcoming this environmental challenge.

FEMA urges inclusive wildfire safety and prevention efforts

by AmericasFeatured NewsWildland Fire

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has urged everyone to participate in wildfire safety and prevention efforts in 2023, as the West experienced excessive growth of flash fuels, such as grasses, weeds, and bushes, due to an incredibly wet winter season.

Human-caused fires accounted for 87% of U.S. wildfires each year, and there was a potentially busier-than-normal fire season that threatened lives, property, watersheds, and ecosystems.

To promote wildfire prevention messaging, FEMA suggested fire and emergency services personnel start by identifying the leading cause of unwanted wildfire ignitions in their community and conduct a first round of outreach highlighting that risk. The US Fire Administration (USFA) provides free resources and tools, including social media cards and pictographs, to help with wildfire prevention outreach efforts.

The Agency said it is essential to make messages relevant and simple to understand, considering the audience’s abilities and needs, including cultural needs, and advised fire departments to use the media to amplify their outreach and hosted an open house to provide an opportunity for residents to ask firefighters questions.

FEMA also encouraged everyone to prevent wildfire arson by creating an arson tip line and developing fire-setting intervention programs for children in collaboration with social services agencies. Fire departments are promoting Arson Awareness Week this week (May 7-13, 2023) to foster understanding of, and prevent, youth fire-setting.

Through these efforts, FEMA aims to create a wildfire safety solution that everyone could contribute to, preventing unwanted wildfire ignitions and protecting communities, wildlife, and the environment from the devastating effects of wildfires.

Fire Management Board develops new model to manage large wildland fire incidents

by Featured NewsWildland Fire

The Fire Management Board, National Multi-Agency Coordinating Group and National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Executive Board are collaborating on the implementation of a new model to manage large wildland fire incidents.

The model will be based on Complex Incident Management Teams (CIMTs) to assist local land management agencies with response to wildland fires of both Type 2 and Type 1 complexity.

The main objectives of the model include stabilising team numbers, ensuring overall availability of team members, reducing fatigue, and increasing the resiliency of the interagency Incident Management Teams (IMTs) and their members.

This change will impact standards, training, qualifications, and oversight of the personnel and IMTs. The current interagency Type 2 and Type 1 IMTs are in the process of attaining the personnel qualifications and transitioning team typing ahead of full implementation in 2024.

The specific details on the components of this change include:

  • The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1 includes a pathway for current responders to transition, as well as a pathway for those seeking to move up from the Type 3 or Unit Leader qualification levels. Changes effective as of January 2023 are explained in the 2023 Transition Plan PDF.
  • The National Mobilization Guide establishes the standards for mobilisation and demobilisation of resources in response to wildland fire and all-hazard events.
  • The NWCG Wildland Fire Risk and Complexity Assessment (RCA), PMS 236, revised in 2023, includes Part D: Functional Complexity to assist agencies and IMTs in identifying the personnel and support needs of the incident.

Those interested in further information regarding model implementation can visit the Incident Workforce Development Group webpage.

Fire season extends in parts of New South Wales

by Featured NewsWildland Fire

The bush fire danger period is being extended in 44 local government areas across New South Wales as the increased risk of grass fires continues across large parts of the state.

The end of March normally marks the end of the bush fire danger period but with high fuel loads and warmer than average temperatures, fire restrictions will continue in many areas.

Commissioner of the RFS Rob Rogers said that in the last month alone firefighters have attended more than 850 bush and grass fires which collectively burned over 66,000 hectares, accounding for almost 50% of the area burned across the whole fire season which started at the beginning of October.

Eight homes, 15 outbuildings and hundreds of livestock have been lost across firegrounds however hundreds more homes and buildings have been saved due to the actions of firefighters and landholders.

Taking action

Commissioner Rogers said research commissioned by the RFS shows one in two people in NSW have taken action to prepare their property for the threat of bush and grass fire: “I remind all landholders and residents of the need to have a well prepared property and importantly discuss their bush fire survival plan and know what they’ll do if threatened by fire.

“Fire Permits are no longer required for those in areas outside the Bush Fire Danger Period. For those in areas where the Bush Fire Danger Period has been extended, fire permits will still be required and you must notify neighbours and local fire authorities 24 hours before lighting up.

“Given the prevailing dry conditions, it is vital when conducting a burn on your property it is safe to do so and make sure that you comply with the rules, even if you have conducted burns on your property for years.

“Don’t be the fire risk to your community, know your obligations if conducting burns and know the costs if you do the wrong thing, but most importantly, if a fire does get out of hand, make sure you report it immediately to Triple Zero (000)”

Safety warning issued over wildland fire shelters

by Featured NewsWildland Fire

The National Wildfire Coordinating Group’s Equipment Technology Committee has released a safety warning concerning wildland fire shelters PDF sold on the open market that do not meet U.S. Forest Service specification 5100-606 PDF requirements.

A wildland fire shelter is a portable, rapidly deployable shelter that looks somewhat like an oversized sleeping bag. If a wildfire suddenly changes direction or speed and a firefighter becomes trapped by flames, their last resort may be to deploy and enter a fire shelter for protection against radiant heat and smoke.

As critical pieces of life-saving equipment, fire shelters must be built to strict specifications to prevent serious injury or death in the event of an entrapment or burnover.

All fire shelters, regardless of supplier, should be inspected upon receipt to ensure that: The shelter is built to specification 5100-606; all shelter components are accounted for; the shelter meets specification requirements; and the shelter was not damaged during shipping or storage.

The safety warning contains detailed instructions and photos to guide firefighters on what to look for when inspecting their fire shelter to determine if it does or does not meet the 5100-606 specification. Safety concerns include:

  • Untested shelters constructed with materials that don’t meet the Forest Service specification requirements may release hazardous toxicants to the shelter occupant.
  • Shelters with deviations from the 5100-606 specification may result in the shelter not deploying as designed.

The Group also advised that any non-FedMall fire shelter purchases should be inspected to verify they are built to specification 5100-606 and any which do not carry on the fireline any fire shelter that does not meet the requirements should be removed from service.

Fire Protection Engineers play critical role in Wildland Urban Interface planning

by Featured NewsWildland Fire

Fire Protection Engineers (FPEs) are key players in solving the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) fire problem, the US Fire Administration has said.

FPEs are able to apply their knowledge of materials, chemistry, social science and fire to reduce the risk of fires and protect communities, and one area where their expertise is essential is in WUI areas where homes and other structures are located near wildlands and vegetative fuels.

FPEs play a critical role in the WUI, using their knowledge of fire science and engineering to design structures, plans and systems that help prevent and mitigate the spread of wildfires to make communities more resilient.

Possible FPE WUI interactions include conducting wildfire risk assessments to identify potential hazards and vulnerabilities and developing WUI fire mitigation and management plans to minimise risk and protect communities and designing and incorporating fire protection systems and technology, such as fuel reduction measures, fire breaks, construction materials selection and early warning systems.

FPE’s are also collaborating with land management agencies, authorities having jurisdiction and first responders to develop and implement fire and emergency management strategies, participating in community outreach and education programs to raise awareness about WUI fire risks and risk reduction strategies, and conducting research on the combustion of fuels and the interactions with weather patterns and other environmental conditions that may increase fire risk or exposure to products of combustion.

There are opportunities for FPE’s to increase knowledge and community impact, such as attending conferences and workshops, or the SFPE Virtual WUI Summit focused on “What can fire engineering contribute to addressing the problem of fire and related hazards in the WUI?”

The US Fire Administration said: “If you are planning a WUI fire risk assessment or need help with other WUI planning activities, such as creating a CWPP, consider consulting with an FPE for comprehensive fire protection.”

At least 24 killed as wildfires rage across Chile

by Featured NewsWildland Fire

Firefighters battled dozens of raging wildfires in Chile over the weekend in a bid to gain control of one of the country’s worst natural disasters in years as the death toll rose to at least 24 with nearly 1,000 more injured, Reuters reported.

International arrived on Sunday including planes and expert firefighting teams, as the most intense wildfires torched forests and farmland clustered around three regions near the middle of the South American country’s Pacific coastline. Authorities said they were facilitating the arrival of assistance from Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal and Venezuela.

The fires have so far consumed around 270,000 hectares, officials said on Sunday. A heat wave in the Southern Hemisphere’s summer complicated efforts to extinguish the flames.

There were 260 fires active across the region, interior ministry officials said on Sunday, with 28 of them considered especially dangerous.

Thirteen of those who have died come from Biobio, home to extensive forests as well as farms that grow grapes and other fruit for export. Nearly 1,500 people fled to area shelters. At least 26 of the 970 injured are listed in grave condition at local hospitals.

President Gabriel Boric issued emergency declarations for the largely rural southern regions of Biobio, Nuble and Araucania in an effort to speed relief, and stressed that his government would provide all necessary resources, while he also sought to inspire solidarity in the face of the deadly wildfires.

“I’ve seen the resiliency of our people, and it’s exactly that spirit that has to guide us during this difficult time,” he said. “All together, we’ll come out of this ahead.”

SFPE announce Fire Risk Assessment and Mitigation in the Wildland Urban Interface handbook

by Featured NewsWildland Fire

The Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SPFE) and SFPE Foundation has announced the publication of a free virtual handbook on fire-risk assessment and mitigation in the wildland urban interface (WUI). The Foundation has also awarded new funding to lead the development of a WUI risk assessment and mitigation curriculum targeting fire departments in the US.

The new virtual handbook, titled “WUI Virtual Handbook for Property Fire Risk Assessment & Mitigation,” provides engineering-based resource materials to support firefighters and fire departments operating in the wildland urban interface. 

Funded by a 2020 US DHS FEMA Fire Prevention and Safety grant and developed by an expert team from Jensen Hughes under the guidance of an esteemed advisory panel, the virtual handbook also identifies possible mitigation strategies for use in the field. 

The virtual handbook can be accessed from www.sfpe.org/WUIHandbook as an interactive, mobile-friendly, web-based resource or as a downloadable PDF.

Webinar

To support the new virtual handbook, SFPE will host a free webinar titled “Beyond the Checklist – A Virtual Handbook of Engineering Resources for WUI Property Fire Risk Assessment and Mitigation,” on Monday 13 February. 

The webinar will will be presented live and recorded for on-demand viewing and will introduce the content in the virtual handbook and provide guidance for conducting home risk assessments in the WUI.

To further prioritise education and training on WUI fire risk assessment and mitigation for fire department personnel, the SFPE Foundation has awarded new funding to the Mid-Atlantic Center for Emergency Management & Public Safety at Frederick Community College to lead the development of a WUI risk assessment and mitigation curriculum.

Supported by a 2021 US DHS FEMA FP&S grant, the team will:

  • Review existing training, best practices, and unmet needs to understand potential impacts;
  • Develop a curriculum of engineering-based science to address unmet needs;
  • Solicit feedback from engineering and fire service professionals on the proposed curriculum;
  • Pilot the curriculum at several U.S. fire departments; and
  • Create supportive videos, infographics, and public outreach materials to facilitate the development of partnerships for implementation.

Leslie Marshall, Ph.D., Director, SFPE Foundation, commented: “This virtual handbook and forthcoming curriculum add to SFPE and the SFPE Foundation’s portfolio of research and programs to support firefighters and fire departments operating in the wildland urban interface. Through the FEMA Fire Prevention and Safety grant program and with the generous support of donors and SFPE, the SFPE Foundation is committed to engineering a resilient, sustainable, and fire-safe world for all.”

Bulgaria and North Macedonia agree cross-border cooperation in forest firefighting

by Featured NewsWildland Fire

A cross-border network for natural disaster response has been established under a project between Bulgaria and the Republic of North Macedonia, involving 26 municipalities on both sides of the border.

The project, which concluded with a conference on Thursday, was implemented by the Association of South-Western Municipalities (ASWM) on the Bulgarian side and the Centre for Development of the South-Eastern Planning Region of the Republic of North Macedonia under the Interreg-IPA program for cross-border cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.

Lyubitsa Tomova, executive director of the ASWM, said that the project involved mainly voluntary units on the Bulgarian side and professional firefighting services on the side of the North Macedonia. A number of trainings have since been held, both in theory and in practice. In addition to the training programme, the project has established a cross-border network for response to natural and man-made disasters, and has supplied personal protective equipment and fire-fighting equipment. 

A Memorandum of Cooperation was signed during Thursday’s closing conference. Tomova invited everyone who is willing and recognises themselves in the objectives set in the memorandum to join and work in this direction within the next one month.

Zulieta Gjurgova, sector manager at the Development Centre of the South-Eastern Planning Region of the Republic of North Macedonia, called the agreement one of the best projects for this period of the Interreg-IPA programme and the work between the two countries, and it creates the basis that facilitates future volunteer trainings.