Pre-attack Information and Reference Resources for Incident Planning
This page provides the essential pre-attack information and quick-reference resources for on-site incident planning and safe operations. Use it to prepare for the Incident Command Post (ICP), brief crews, and confirm logistics prior to any planned activity in fire-prone areas. This plan can be used by local communities to prepare for the fire season as well as primarily for first responders who are unfamiliar with a area they are on route to for wildfire suppression.
Pre-Attack Plans
Quick Overview
A pre-attack plan identifies, records and communicates the site’s critical safety, logistical and tactical information so the Operations Section Chief and supporting teams can act quickly and safely.
1. Incident Command & Command Post (ICP)
- Confirm ICP location: publish exact GPS coordinates, a map pin and visible signage.
- Confirm Operations Section Chief (OSC) location: include call sign, radio channel, and designated holding spot adjacent to ICP. Provide an alternate ICP location if primary becomes untenable.
- ICP set-up checklist: command signage, radio base, weather station, maps, briefing board, shade/shelter, ablutions, potable water.
2. Water resources
- Hydrant & water points: mapped and labelled (include distances and flow capacity). Indicate whether hydrants are static, fitted for pump connections, or require tanker refill.
- Pumping & tanker needs: estimate litres required for containment lines and identify nearest refill routes.
3. Safety zones & turn-around spots
- Safety zones: map and describe at least two pre-identified safety zones (size, terrain, access). Include elevation info and escape route directions.
- Turn-around spots: list GPS coordinates and minimum clear width required (e.g., 6–8 m) for vehicles and tankers. Mark locations for heavy vehicles and smaller units separately.
4. Roads & access
- Which roads are tarred vs gravel: provide a map legend and note weight/vehicle restrictions, seasonal conditions, and likely bottlenecks.
- Access roads: label primary exit routes, secondary exits, and locked/access-controlled gates. Include contact and procedure to unlock gates.
- Holding areas: designate separate holding/staging areas for non-essential vehicles, equipment, and media (include capacity and surface type).
5. Vegetation & fuels
- Veld age / vegetation height: describe fuel age classes and typical flame height expectations. Map high-fuel patches and note recent burns.
- Fuel reduction status: show areas recently treated or scheduled for treatment.
6. Site hazards & special considerations
List and map the following hazards; provide specific mitigation or avoidance instructions:
- Overhead power lines (include voltage class and safe approach distances)
- Marshy or boggy areas (mark vehicle restrictions)
- Wildlife / domestic animals (likely locations and contact for wildlife control)
- Red Data species (floral) or sensitive habitats (notify conservation officer before any groundworks)
- Potential for community aggression or protest (liaise with local law enforcement and community liaison)
- Other hazards: sinkholes, unstable slopes, chemical stores
7. Weather & forecasts
- Embed/link latest forecast and include an on-site method for receiving updates (VHF, mobile app, weather radio).
- Key weather checks prior to attack: wind speed/direction, temperature, relative humidity, and any TFR (Total Fire Ban) or red-flag alerts. Update forecast at set intervals (e.g., every 2–4 hours during operations).
8. Fuel & refuelling
- Fuel filling stations: list nearest fuel stations with operating hours and available fuels (diesel, petrol). Include emergency after-hours contacts and on-site refuelling procedures (spill kit, bonding/earthing, extinguishers).
- On-site fuel safety: designate a safe, ventilated refuelling area and a trained refuelling attendant.
9. Ablution & welfare
- Ablution facilities: list ICP and holding-area ablution locations, accessibility, and any temporary toilet plans for extended operations. Include potable water and rest/shade areas.
10. Communications & general contacts
Report to your ICP Manager for communications contacts, call signs and protocols.
11. Medical & law enforcement
- Medical: nearest hospitals/clinics, ambulance response times, on-site first aiders, trauma kit locations. Provide directions and fastest route to hospital.
- Law enforcement: local station contacts, expected response times, and traffic control procedures for road closures or crowd control.
12. Objectives & strategies
Primary objective: protect life and prevent escalation.Secondary objectives: protect critical infrastructure, protect ecological sensitivities, and enable safe re-entry for restoration.
Sample strategic options:
- Establish anchor points to backburn safely.
- Use containment lines where topography and fuel allow.
- Pre-position water and crews at high-risk points.
- Prioritise protection of red-data species with onsite conservation liaison.
- If community tension is possible, deploy community liaison and Law Enforcement together.
13. Maps & mapping standards
- Publish an interactive map and downloadable PDFs showing: ICP, OSC location, safety zones, water points, roads (tarred/gravel), hazards, turn-around locations, holding areas, and sensitive species/habitats.
- Map requirements: north arrow, scale bar, legend, datum (e.g., WGS84), and GPS coordinates for all key points. Provide printable A3 emergency map boards for the ICP and vehicle crews.
14. Checklists & forms
Provide downloadable/checkable checklists for pre-attack readiness. Key checklists to include on the page:
Pre-Attack ICP Checklist
- ICP sign & visibility installed
- Radios checked, batteries spare
- Weather forecast printed & online link
- Maps printed & pinned to briefing board
- Water points tested and pump connectors checked
- Safety zones & escape routes marked on map
- Medical kit & ambulance contact confirmed
- Fuel & refuelling arrangements confirmed
PPC (Personal Protective Clothing) & PPE Checklist
- Fire-retardant overalls / turnout gear
- Hard hat with face shield
- Gloves (wildland and structural)
- Boots (lace-up, ankle support)
- Eye protection/goggles
- Hearing protection where required
- High-visibility vests for staging areas
- Respiratory protection (as necessary)
- Spare PPE and size range available
Vehicle & Equipment Checklist
- Radio and antenna functioning
- Fire pump and hoses test-fired
- Spill kit present for refuelling area
- Fire extinguishers charged & accessible
- Recovery straps & turn-around tools
15. Implementation & version control
- Update frequency: publish initial plan at least 24 hours before operations and immediately update following any change in hazards, contacts, weather or access.
- Version control: include version number, author, and last updated timestamp on the page and on each downloadable file.
- Distribution: print copies at ICP, digital copies to all crew devices, and email to key stakeholders.
16. Helpful attachments (suggested)
- Printable A3 site map (2 copies: ICP & Staging)
- Contact list (CSV / PDF) for upload to radios and phones
- GPS coordinate spreadsheet for turn-around spots and safety zones
- Fillable incident checklist (PDF) for supervisors to sign off
- Quick-reference one-page objectives & actions
17. Notes on special topics
- Red Data species: liaise with conservation authority before any fuel reduction or ground disturbance. Annotate maps to avoid accidental damage.
- Community relations: publish a short community notice template and the community liaison contact; brief teams on de-escalation and reporting procedures.
- Powerlines: maintain safe clearances and notify the power utility of operations near lines.