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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.