Reducing the risk of entrapment in wildfires : a case study of the Linton fire.

Forest firefighting is a difficult and often dangerous task. Whenever firefighters attempt to contain a wildfire, there is a risk that vehicles and crews may become entrapped or surrounded by fire. Entrapment in wildfire can have tragic consequences - as was the case in the Linton Fire in December 1998 when five firefighters died. To reduce the risk of entrapments, key risk factors need to be identified and addressed through an on-going process of learning from experience. This case study has three aims: 1) To present the key facts about the Linton Fire entrapment; 2) To inform brigades and the community about planned programs to reduce the risk of similar entrapments. Proposed programs will: reinforce existing safety procedures; review and improve current procedures; and, develop new procedures and equipment; 3) To raise awareness of safety requirements and procedures including: Standing Fire Orders; Watch-Outs; and, Anchor Points