Rogue Valley Fire Prevention

The Public & Fire Suppression

Fires are no doubt an amazing sight, but public onlookers often hamper the containment efforts of fire-fighting personnel.  Civilians should not park vehicles anywhere near the pathway (either entrances or exits) of firefighters during a fire event.  Many fire vehicles require a large area to maneuver, and parking within their path can needlessly endanger personal property, and more importantly, the lives of firefighters and civilians.

Firefighters are specially trained in safe and effective methods of fire suppression.  Part of this training includes the proper use of personal protective equipment such as fire shelters, hard-hats, nomex pants and shirts.  These items are required of firefighters; without them, they are not legally allowed to be “on the fireline.”  For these reasons, it is neither recommended, nor desirable, for members of the general public to attempt to assist professional wildland firefighters in fire suppression efforts.  Although admirable in spirit, these actions divide the attention of firefighters who must ask untrained, improperly-outfitted public individuals to please leave the scene of the fire.

The problem with public onlookers extends to waterways, as well.  During helicopter operations involving bucket dips, it is not uncommon to find recreational rafters crowding around the “dip site,” cameras in hand.  This situation poses serious threats to both the onlookers and the pilot; the pilot now has to be extremely mindful not only of the bucket-dipping task and his/her natural surroundings, but also of the location, actions and safety of the nearby rafters.  

photos: Ian Keusink