18 Watch Out Situations

1st Watch Out Situation

Fire not scouted and sized up.

2nd Watch Out Situation

In country not seen in daylight.

3rd Watch Out Situation

Safety zones and escape routes not identified.

4th Watch Out Situation

Unfamiliar with weather and local factors influencing fire behavior.

5th Watch Out Situation

Uninformed on strategy, tactics, and hazards.

6th Watch Out Situation

Instructions and assignments not clear.

7th Watch Out Situation

No communication link between crew members and supervisor.

8th Watch Out Situation

Constructing line without safe anchor point.

9th Watch Out Situation

Building fire line downhill with fire below.

10th Watch Out Situation

Attempting frontal assault on fire.

11th Watch Out Situation

Unburnt fuel between you and fire.

12th Watch Out Situation

Cannot see main fire; not in contact with someone who can.

13th Watch Out Situation

On a hillside where rolling material can ignite fuel below.

14th Watch Out Situation

Weather becoming hotter and drier.

15th Watch Out Situation

Wind increases and/or changes direction.

16th Watch Out Situation

Getting frequent spot fires across line.

17th Watch Out Situation

Terrain and fuels make escape to safety zones difficult.