Wolf, Jerry . 2010. T&D Snippets—Deploying Your Fire Shelter in a Body of Water. 1051 2S01. Missoula, MT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Technology and Development Program.
Deploying Your Fire Shelter in a Body of Water
By John Smith
Heading toward water when fire is heading your way may seem like a good idea but water bodies do not meet the definition of a true safety zone. A safety zone is a preplanned area large enough and in a suitable location where a fire shelter would not need to be deployed.
Water bodies, such as ponds, lakes, streams, rivers, and swimming pools, can provide some level of protection during burnovers. If a water body is chosen as the best option, you need to be prepared for the challenges and aware of additional safety hazards.
This tech tip discusses some of the things firefighters have had to consider before deploying a fire shelter in water and some of the problems that have occurred.
Keywords: CAL FIRE, California, deployments, fire fighting, firefighting, ponds, safety at work, Seven Oak Fire, streams
