Entrapment Avoidance

When determining strategy and tactics, avoid situations where firefighters may become entrapped. Consider the following discussion points related to escape routes and safety zones.

• Discuss the three types of safety zones and describe examples.
  • The burn/black
  • Natural features
  • Constructed sites
• Discuss the guidelines for size and distance separation to avoid radiant heat injury.
  • Four times the maximum flame height (20 foot-flame height x 4 = 80 foot-radius from firefighters)
  • Size based on amount of resources and equipment
• Discuss heat impact factors that will affect the guidelines for distance separation.
  • Convection heat from wind and terrain features
  • Location relative to fire spread
  • Reburn potential of fuel in safety zone
• Discuss how firefighters have a right to know the location of their escape routes and safety zones at all times.
• Discuss how firefighters have a right to ask for clarification when faced with unclear instructions or fear of the unknown.
• Describe a basic procedure for identification of effective escape routes and safety zones.
  • Observe
  • Visualize
  • Identify
  • Time
  • Inform
  • Evaluate