Fires can strike anywhere and at any time, placing responders at risk of injury and illness. Though wildfires are most common between May and September, responders must be prepared to be deployed at any moment, which requires advanced planning and preparation. So, how can responders protect themselves as they pick up the pieces? 

What to know before you go

Disaster responders can prepare for deployment by understanding: 

-The Incident Command System

-Proper inspection and use of common emergency equipment and personal protective equipment

-Medical rescue and first-aid procedures

Once on site, responders should review the Emergency Action Plan, which will include specifics on the incident. In addition to the information above, the EAP should include specifics on:

-Roles and responsibilities, including special tasks and critical shutdown procedures

-Types of emergencies that could occur or develop during the response with corresponding procedures

-Specific hazards associated with the response

-Rescue procedures and capabilities for confined spaces, working at heights, chemical releases and structural collapse

-Site security measures, response procedures, and mutual aid resources

Roles and expectations should be reviewed whenever new responders arrive or when disaster response conditions change (i.e., response procedures are revised, weather changes or new equipment or material is introduced to the response).

Getting fired up for safety

Fire disaster response can get heated if workers don’t know how to protect themselves. Here are just a few prominent hazards and protective measures.

Rekindles

Fires that rekindle or reignite after they’ve been extinguished can be especially dangerous to responders and the public. Often, due to a shortage of workers, rekindles can be larger than the initial fire and difficult to control. Responders can prevent rekindling by using aces, pike poles and pry bars to evaluate hidden nooks and crannies of a burnt area. Cutting up flooring and roofs, as well as removing extra insulation, also keeps workers safe.

Personal Fire Shelters

Responders should be equipped with and trained on the use of aluminized cloth fire shelters. These are essential for protection in rare instances of wildfire entrapment to deflect radiant heat. Though fire shelters can’t ensure survival, they increase the chances when used properly. 

Smoke Inhalation or Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Frontline responders should avoid working or standing where there’s excessive smoke whenever possible. Thick, black smoke can cause chronic health issues and obscure heavy equipment, electrical lines and other serious hazards.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless and potentially lethal gas. Responders must use caution around gasoline- or diesel-powered generators, pumps and similar cleanup equipment. These machines should never be operated indoors or in areas with poor ventilation.

Toxic or Hazardous Chemicals & Materials

Responders may be exposed to ash, soot, and other burned materials. Wildfire smoke contains particle pollution, referred to as particulate matter, that is dangerous to responders. Proper protective clothing and respirators, used with regular hand-washing, can keep workers safe from harmful exposures. 

Additional environmental hazards, such as poison oak or ivy, dust, mold and damp organic material, can wreak havoc on a response. Insects, snakes, and other animals can lurk amidst disaster rubble, so workers must wear appropriate clothing and understand proper protocols for handling irritants and critter encounters. 

Extreme Heat 

Even during cooler weather, fire responders are susceptible to radiant heat that can overwhelm them. Staying safe in the heat during long, intense work requires several considerations:

-Being physically fit and acclimating to working conditions

-Wearing light-colored, loose-fitting clothing whenever possible

-Drinking fluids every 15-20 minutes while avoiding alcohol and caffeine

-Taking regular breaks in cooler areas

-Consuming cold treats like popsicles or fresh fruit

-Wearing appropriate PPE (i.e., hats, gaiters, etc.) to keep shielded from direct heat or sun

Power Failures & Electrical Hazards 

Electrical grid failures often accompany natural disasters. Power failures can cause difficulty seeing downed electrical lines, compromise walking and working surfaces and expose responders to electric shock, burns and electrocution. Most incidents occur due to damp conditions from weather or fire suppression.

Responders can protect themselves by avoiding downed power lines, leaving electrical repairs to those authorized, ensuring equipment is properly grounded and wearing appropriate PPE. Proper electrical PPE includes NFPA-approved protective clothing, rubber gloves and nonconductive boots and hard hats. Tools should be UL approved and electrically rated or insulated. 

Unstable Structures or Ground cover 

Fires and other natural disasters like to destroy everything in their path. The destruction leaves buildings, walkways, roads and sidewalks in disarray. Workers should always assume that fire-damaged structures, including roofs and stairways, are unsafe until examined by a professional engineer or other authorized person. Responders should stay alert to areas jeopardized by destroyed ground cover and excess water that could quickly become a mudslide. 

Excessive Noise

Noise from heavy equipment, tractors, and other machinery can place workers at risk for hearing damage. Chain saws, ventilators and dryers also present risky noise levels. Proper hearing protection is vital.

Heavy Equipment Dangers

Heavy equipment, semi-tractors and even helicopters are commonplace during recovery operations. Workers must be constantly aware of their surroundings and comply with communication, parking and injury prevention procedures.

Ergonomic Issues 

In the heat of the response, workers will try to conserve precious energy by taking the path of least resistance. However, excessive lifting, bending, twisting, pushing, pulling, etc., can have serious long-term consequences.

Responders can avoid back injuries by practicing team lifts, avoiding lifting bulky or awkward loads, and remaining fit for duty. Ergonomic hazards lurk where workers use excessive force to perform tasks, work in awkward postures, or use repetitive motions (such as climbing in/out of trucks). Maintaining proper body posture and physical dynamics is critical to prevent injuries.

Fatigue – Physical & Mental 

Being away from home for prolonged periods to work physically demanding shifts with little to no sleep makes fatigue a challenge for even the most experienced responders. Mental and physical stressors can build upon one another, so responders should prepare ahead to combat these assailants. 

Responders can reduce the risk of injury and illness by setting priorities that prevent exhaustion, taking frequent breaks, staying hydrated, and using emotional support systems like family, friends or counselors.

Key Takeaways

Disaster response is dangerous, but worker safety doesn’t have to be compromised. Planning and preparation, awareness of impending hazards, and understanding protective measures ensure they return home without injury.