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Wildland Urban Interface – Structure Protection

 

The primary consideration of any operation is to assure firefighter and public safety. It is a must to assess potential fire behavior, ingress/egress routes, nature of the threat, hazardous materials, and available water supplies before engaging in the protection of any structure.

Factors that may make an attempt to save a structure too dangerous include:

  • The fire is making a sustained run and there is little or no clearance between the structure and the fuel.
  • The fire behavior is extreme; spot fires are numerous and the spread is outpacing containment.
  • Water supply will not last as long as the threat of the fire.
  • The fire intensity dictates that you leave the fire area immediately.
  • The structure is constructed of wood and has a wood shake roof.
  • The roof of the structure is more than one-quarter involved.
  • There is fire inside of the structure, or windows are broken and there is no way to quickly repair them.
  • You cannot safely remain at the structure because your escape route could become unusable.

When implementing a plan to protect structures, consider the following:

  • Do not enter a burning structure unless you are trained, equipped, and authorized. Firefighter safety and survival is the number one priority.
  • Always stay mobile and wear all personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Back in equipment to allow for a quick escape.
  • Coil a short, charged line with a fog nozzle on your engine for safety and quick knockdown capability.
  • Don’t make long hose lays.
  • Reserve at least 100 gallons of water in your tank.
  • Check the road system before the fire approaches. Know bridge limits, alternate access routes, and turnarounds for your vehicle and other support vehicles.
  • Determine if residents are home. Leave the inside and outside lights on, regardless of the time of day. Close the garage door.
  • Place the owners’ ladder at a corner of the home on the side with the least fire threat.
  • Coil and charge garden hoses.
  • Check and mark hazardous materials (e.g., Liquefied Propane Gas [LPG] tanks, pesticides, and paint storage.

 

Category
Operational Engagement
References
10 Standard Firefighting Orders, PMS 110
10 and 18 Poster, PMS 110-18
18 Watch Out Situations, PMS 118

Last Modified / Reviewed:


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Updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

Date: May 14, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Fire Use Subcommittee

The updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431 serves as a supplemental resource for wildland fire module operations, providing information frequently used in the field.

PMS 431 defines the organizational structure, staffing, and qualifications for Type 1 and Type 2 Wildland Fire Modules, outlining their roles in wildland fire suppression, prescribed fire, and resource management. The NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431, should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430.

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NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

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Questions?  Please contact:
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The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 has been updated to include newly developed Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) typing standards. These standards organize OHV information into logical categories and outline key safety requirements for occupants.

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Date: May 12, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
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The S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers self-directed online course is now available! Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Safety Officer, Field (SOFF) incident qualifications.

S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers focuses on facilitating hazard mitigation conversations and building trust to influence safety-related decisions. Individuals can self-enroll through the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP).

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.

References:

S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers 

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Date: May 7, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
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Phone: (208) 387-5104
Fax: (208) 387-5573

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To browse the latest available items, please refer to the National Fire Equipment System (NFES) catalogs. 

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NWCG NFES Catalog-Part 1: Fire Supplies and Equipment, PMS 449-1

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