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Incident Sign Ordering Catalog

Traffic Cone and Flare Placement


Traffic cones and flares can help define the incident area and provide another level of visibility. Cones and flares should be placed while facing oncoming traffic at all times.

Wear high-visibility safety apparel that meets the Performance Class 2 or 3 requirements of ANSI/ISEA 107–2004 when placing cones or flares.

Place a FIRE ACTIVITY AHEAD sign before placing cones or flares.

Use a lookout if traffic is heavy for added safety. Also take into consideration weather, sight distance, and any visual obstructions such as hills and curves.

If using flares, ignite the flares while standing on the shoulder before deploying in traffic.

Photo of a Forest Service vehicle stopped along the side a roadway with cones setup along side the vehicle.

Graphic showing traffic cone and flare placement along a roadway. In the graphic, there are signs that read, FIRE ACTIVITY AHEAD and text that reads 10 feet minimum pointing to the distance from the cones to the centerline of the road.
Traffic Cone and Flare Placement
(click image for long description)

To print order forms, click here for the PDFs.
Graphic of a traffic cone. Cone
Size
Color Use Quantity
(specify)
18" Orange Daytime,
roads ≤ 40
miles per hour
 
28" Orange Daytime,
roads ≤ 40
miles per hour
 
36" Orange Daytime
roads ≤ 40
miles per hour
 


Graphic of a traffic cone with two reflective collars. Cone
Size
Color Use Quantity
(specify)
28" Orange with
retroflective collar
Nighttime,
roads ≥ 45
miles per hour
or greater visibility
 
36" Orange with
retroflective collar
Nighttime,
roads ≥ 45
miles per hour
or greater visibility
 

Manufacturer: All signs must meet EM-7100-15 and MUTCD specifications.