Brush fires can occur in urban areas and vary in scale from small nuisance fires to major incidents requiring multiple alarms.
Such fires necessitate significant resources from the Fire Department for control and extinguishment.
They can occur throughout the year, though they are most frequent during favorable weather conditions, particularly when vegetation is in a fire-susceptible stage.
Brush fires can deplete local fire protection resources, necessitating assistance from neighboring boroughs.
Encroaching urban development has complicated fire operations.
The term Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) fire refers to brush fires occurring near homes or buildings, posing threats to life and property.
1.2 Purpose of Circular
This document outlines the procedures and operational plans for brush fires, including deploying resources from other boroughs to Staten Island in response to increased fire incidents.
2. ANTICIPATED CRITICAL AREAS
2.1 STATEN ISLAND
Vulnerable Locations Include:
South Beach, Midland Beach, New Dorp Beach, Oakwood Beach
Travis; Bloomfield, Chelsea sections
Mariners Harbor; areas along South Avenue, areas south of Forest Avenue west of Richmond Avenue
Fresh Kills - former landfill
Great Kills Park
LaTourette Park
Blue Heron Pond Park
Wolf’s Pond Park
Clay Pit State Park
Charleston; Richmond Valley sections
2.2 BROOKLYN
At-Risk Areas Include:
Gateway National Park: Floyd Bennet Field Area, Marine Park, Gerritsen Beach
Areas adjacent to the Belt Parkway, Mill Basin, Canarsie Park
2.3 QUEENS
Identified Areas Include:
Gateway National Park: Howard Beach, Broad Channel, Rockaway Areas
Forest Park
Cunningham Park
Alley Pond Park
2.4 BRONX
Susceptible Parks Include:
Ferry Point Park
Pelham Bay Park
Van Cortlandt Park
3. PREPLANNING
3.1 STATEN ISLAND Specific Considerations
Staten Island has a high susceptibility to brush fires due to geographic traits and previous construction activity.
The frequency of brush fires peaks during Spring and Fall.
Brush Fire Units (BFUs) are operationally staffed on 9x6 tours during peak times from March 17 to April 30, and October 17 to November 30.
Activation and extension of BFUs beyond designated times depend on weather conditions and operational recommendations from Fire Department leadership.
3.1.1 Activation and Staffing of BFUs
Activation of BFUs can extend beyond usual hours under the recommendation of the Chief of Department or Chief of Operations, with the Fire Commissioner’s approval.
BFUs assigned to areas outside SIBC can only activate under orders from upper management.
Battalions anticipating critical areas must keep Division informed about local conditions that may warrant activating BFUs outside the prescribed schedule.
3.2 WEATHER INFORMATION
3.2.1 Weather Factors Influencing Brush Fires
Brush fires escalate in severity due to:
Low humidity levels
Winds exceeding 15 mph
Drought conditions with little to no rainfall for three or more days
The longer the absence of rain, the greater the fire hazard.
3.2.2 Alerts and Dissemination Procedures
The New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) receives Red Flag Alerts from the National Weather Service (NWS) when severe weather conditions pose a risk of brush fires. This information is relayed to the Fire Department Operations Center (FDOC) for dissemination to field units.
3.2.3 Accessing Weather Information
Weather is available via the FDOC and also through the National Weather Service through Department computers.
With accurate weather forecasts, the Chief of Operations may activate BFUs and reserve pumpers and maneuver units to high-risk areas.
3.3 TERMINOLOGY
Key definitions related to brush fire operations include:
Head of the Fire: The leading edge of a fire.
Rear of the Fire: The side opposite the head.
Flanks: The left and right sides of the fire, from the rear view.
Fingers: Long sections of fire extending out from the main area.
Spot Fires: Small isolated fires started downwind due to embers carried by wind.
4. TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
4.1 DIVISION 8 UNITS
Equipment Requirements for Engine Companies
Engine Companies in Staten Island must carry:
Two Indian Pumps
Four Fire Brooms
1” Forestry Hose
For engine companies responding or relocating to Staten Island during alarms for brush fires:
Minimum of two Indian Pumps
Minimum of four Fire Brooms
4.2 IDENTIFICATION SIGNS
Unit Number Visibility
Unit identification numbers must be painted visibly on top for aerial observation.
4.3 PORTABLE PUMPS
Functionality of Portable Pumps
Portable pumps can supply water from streams or ponds for brush fire operations or to refill Indian Pumps.
4.4 WATER SUPPLY
Available Water Sources
Sources include:
Hydrants, streams, ponds, swimming pools, and Indian pumps
Establishing efficient water supply routes and utilizing booster tanks is critical for operations in hydrant-scarce areas.
4.5 BRUSH FIRE UNITS (BFUs)
Overview and Capabilities
Eight specialized BFUs are operational for various emergencies, equipped with a booster tank, pump, hose, fittings, medical equipment, and portable de-watering pump for effective presence during operations outside of conventional road access.
Staffing and Maintenance of BFUs
Staffing protocols dictate BFUs are crewed by a lieutenant and two firefighters for certain hours during brush fire seasons.
Reporting & Documentation
The officer in charge of the BFU oversees records of all responses whether the unit is staffed independently or by another engine company.
5. BRUSH FIRE OPERATIONS
5.1 OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW
The alarm may be sent from areas away from the fire's actual location; units must report the correct location and access routes upon arrival.
5.2 SIZE-UP
Assessments for Effective Response
The initial officer must assess the area involved, wind direction, exposures, natural fire breaks, water sources, and request additional resources promptly.
Rapid decision-making is crucial to manage the unpredictability of brush fires, which require significant manpower and resources from the onset.
5.3 FIRE EXTENSION
Pre-conditions and Behaviors
Wind exacerbates fire speed and can carry embers, leading to further ignition of unburned areas.
6. RESPONSE AND RELOCATION PROCEDURES
6.1 Resource Allocation
Additional resources may be allocated based on the Incident Command (IC) assessment, with protocols for deployment of reserve pumpers, personnel, and designated staging areas being essential facets of an effective response.
7. AVIATION OPERATIONS
Use of Helicopters
The IC can initiate the Air Support Plan by coordinating with the borough dispatcher; helicopters are leveraged for reconnaissance and field strategies, but have operational limitations based on weather and resource interfaces.
8. SAFETY PROCEDURES
PPE and Safety Protocols
The importance of using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), maintaining safety during operations, and recognizing environmental hazards and unstable grounds are critical to firefighter safety.
9. MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION
It is vital to leverage partnerships with surrounding agencies (e.g., NYCEM, Law Enforcement) for support and resource sharing during emergency operations.
ADDENDUMS
ADDENDUM 1 - INTERNATIONAL/SAULSBURY BRUSH FIRE UNITS
Technical specifications of designated brush fire units.