Module 10 – Handheld Burnout Operations & Ignition Patterns OverheadModule 10 – Handheld Burnout Operations & Ignition Patterns Overhead

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Handheld Burnout Operations& Ignition Patterns

OBJECTIVES

• SAFE use of handheld ignition devices

• advantages and disadvantages of handheld ignition devices

• basic understanding of common LCPB ignition patterns

• “hands on” training with handheld ignition devices

Module 10 – Handheld Burnout Operations & Ignition Patterns Overhead

DRIP TORCH

• most versatile and dependable of hand ignition devices

• ignites fine fuels quickly

• uses mixture of 3 parts diesel fuel to 1 part gasoline

• mixture must be well mixed prior to filling and prior to lighting

• maximum fill level of torch ¾

• quicker, easier ignition than any other commonly used ground ignition devices

• ¾ tank (4.5 litres) normally lasts about an hour

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Module 10 – Handheld Burnout Operations & Ignition Patterns Overhead

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DRIP TORCH SAFETY

• follow directions from Burn Boss

• avoid spills on clothing, boots, body

• refuel away from flammable material

• check and tighten all connections before use

• if it leaks – don’t use it!

• carry torch away from body

• ignite on the downwind side of your body

• maintain balance and watch your footing – walk forward!

• keep a fire extinguisher close by

• place torch upright when not in use

• empty and clean torch prior to storage

• keep an eye on fellow workers and ensure for a safe operation!

Module 10 – Handheld Burnout Operations & Ignition Patterns Overhead

FUSEE

• most commonly available and used hand ignition device

• must directly touch fuel to ignite

• classed as an EXPLOSIVE – subject to spattering, can cause severe burns if not handled properly

• smoke residue can cause headaches

• can be hand held or taped to a stick

• lasts about 5 – 20 minutes depending on type and size

• can be thrown, with caution, underhand only

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Module 10 – Handheld Burnout Operations & Ignition Patterns Overhead

FUSEE SAFETY

• eye protection and leather gloves should be used as well as long sleeved fire resistant clothing

• use caution if throwing – molten material may fly off starting an unplanned ignition or burning personnel

• use caution against puncture wounds is using fusees with spiked ends

• classed as an explosive – use caution when transporting, using and disposing

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Module 10 – Handheld Burnout Operations & Ignition Patterns Overhead

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IGNITION PATTERNS

• most commonly used patterns on LCPBs

• back fire

• flank fire

• head fire

• perimeter fire

• strip combination of above

Module 10 – Handheld Burnout Operations & Ignition Patterns Overhead

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BACK FIRE

Ignition line is set along the boundary on the downwind portion of the burn area. The resulting fire has to burn into or “back” into the wind. Typically results in a slow moving, low intensity fire.

wind

control line

Module 10 – Handheld Burnout Operations & Ignition Patterns Overhead

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FLANK FIRE

Ignition line is set along the boundary that is parallel to the wind direction. The resulting fire has to burn across or “flank” into the wind. Typically results in a fire behaviour between that of a head fire and back fire.

wind

control line

Module 10 – Handheld Burnout Operations & Ignition Patterns Overhead

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HEAD FIRE

Ignition line is set along the boundary that is upwind the wind direction. The resulting fire burns with the wind. Typically results in a fast spreading, moderate to high intensity fire.

wind

control line

Module 10 – Handheld Burnout Operations & Ignition Patterns Overhead

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PERIMETER FIRE

Ignition line is set along the boundary starting on the downwind side, continuing up the flanks and across the upwind side. Incorporates back, flank and head fire ignition.

Wind

Back fire Back fire

Flankfire

Flankfire

Head fire Head fire

Module 10 – Handheld Burnout Operations & Ignition Patterns Overhead

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STRIP FIRE

At least two ignition lines are lit parallel to each other and a boundary. The convection from the interior line aids in pulling the line lit on the boundary away from the boundary.

Boundary

2nd Ignition Line

1st Ignition Line

Module 10 – Handheld Burnout Operations & Ignition Patterns Overhead

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BRIEFING

• briefing must be held prior to ignition

• walk around of site very beneficial

• everyone needs to know THE PLAN

SAFETY

• safety must come first

• workers to understand tasks

• cover LACES

IGNITION ORGANIZATION

• normal ignition crew – 1 crew boss and 1-3 igniters

• crew must be visible to each other and in close proximity

• fire extinguisher and first aid kit

Module 10 – Handheld Burnout Operations & Ignition Patterns Overhead

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COMMUNICATIONS

Share what you see

- flame height

- torching

- erratic fire behaviour

- breaching of control lines or slopovers

- spotting

- how fire moves away from control lines

- changes in wind speed or direction

Share what you don’t see/understand

- unpredicted fire behaviour

- no other workers visible on site

- unsure where ignition line is going

- poor visibility causing disorientation

- unsure of escape routes/safety zones

- location of mixed fuel reserves