-
0831 hours
(8:31 p.m.)Wildfire is Sighted and Reported
A report of a five miles west of Dixon, MT is called in to the Ronan Dispatch Center by a private citizen.
The Dispatcher immediately records the call in his log book, writing down the name of the person reporting the fire, the person's location, the fuel type, and information about fire behavior. He asks the caller for as much information as possible.
Reports of fires come to the Ronan Dispatch Center in many ways. Reports of fires are generally made by citizens, fire lookouts, aircraft, tribal employees, and other dispatch centers. All reported fires and actions are documented in a dispatcher log book. The dispatcher asks lots of questions and gathers and records as much information as possible. -
0837 hours
(8:37 p.m.)Dispatch Responds to the Call
A Flathead Agency incident number is assigned. This will serve as the temporary file name until the Incident Commander names the fire. Engine(s) and/or helicopter resources are called. The appropriate fire supervisor and FMO are called. Everything is documented in the dispatcher's log book and the fire-file process is started. The first unit on the scene establishes command and indent management. Dispatch announces who the Incident Commmander is on the Flathead Agency radio network frequency. Arrivals of all resources are documented in the log book. The first unit on the scene reports actual fire details.
Support is continued to be provided to the incident and all communications regarding the incident are documented. When the original dispatcher is relieved from dispatch duties; the replacement is briefed on the fire status and any issues that may be of service. -
0945 - 1200 hours
(9:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.)Resources Attach the Fire
Fire is designated a Class C Fire (10 acres or larger) and suspected to be human-caused. Incident Commander (IC) and Fire Management Officer (FMO) request Tribal Council for limited Dixon-area closures because they believe additional person-caused fires could occur. IC determines negligence/non-negligence and requests a fire investigator. He isolates and protects the fire's point of origin and any other evidence. He establishes and maintains radio contact with agency dispatch and makes recommended suppression requests. Requests for additional resources are ordered through Missoula Interagency Dispatch Center (MDC), and the FMO is kept informed. In this case the IC requests aircraft support because of high-value and high-risk areas (Dixon community). A Public Information Officer is designated for news media releases. The IC coordinates with other involved agencies and determines manpower needs based on fire dance, preparedness level, and resource values at risk. Planning for expanded mobilization and support activities begins. The IC establishes cost/reimbursement method and files and the fire investigator's written report.
IC and FMO also consider the following items:- default_titleAre initial attack resources adequate?
- default_titleLocal cooperator notification.
- default_titleMedia releases.
- default_titleAgency fire cache capabilities.
- default_titleMeal arrangements (possibility of caterers).
- default_titleFacility arrangements (if into multiple shifts).
- default_titleShower unit, such as local/national contract.
- default_titleMedical personnel.
- default_titleGood communications with dispatch.
- default_titleAdministrative rrangements for fire fighter overtime.
- Show More