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Taking A Nap Near The Fireline

 

Managing fatigue during wildland fire suppression is important for firefighter health and safety. This Watch Out depicts fire behavior increasing while firefighters take a nap without a lookout.

18. Taking a nap near fireline. A fire is burning on the left side. Four firefighters lie on the ground napping on the right side.

18. Taking a nap near fireline.
 

Read about all 18 Watch Out Situations.

Firefighting is often exhausting work and firefighters can find themselves needing to sleep while on the fireline. Before pausing to rest, firefighters must weigh the following:

  • Are lookouts posted? Discuss who that lookout can be. Can the lookout on the knob across the draw watch over you, or does it need to be your partner on the fireline alternating rest times?
  • Is the area free of hazards (falling snags or rolling materials, etc.)? Discuss what you need to do to create a safe resting area.
  • Are you still within agency work and rest guidelines? Review these guidelines.
  • Does your crew need a break? Have they been pushed too hard? Talk about situations where you need to simply take yourself and/or your crew off the fireline for uninterrupted rest.

To reduce risks:

  • Keep lookouts posted and rotate them.
  • Communicate crew conditions and status to supervisor or chain-of-command contact.

Discuss ways to rest on the fireline and suggestions for methods to alternate shifts for more effective firefighting.

 

Category
Operational Engagement
References
10 Standard Firefighting Orders, PMS 110
10 and 18 Poster, PMS 110-18
18 Watch Out Situations, PMS 118

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Questions?  Please contact:
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Questions?  Please contact:
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PMS 412 provides guidance for wildland fire investigations. This guide outlines recommended procedures, practices, techniques, and methods to promote a systematic approach. The last update to this publication was in 2016.

References:

NWCG Guide to Wildland Fire Origin and Cause Determination PMS 412

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Date: March 31, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
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The updated NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations (SABO), PMS 508 standardizes operations and procedures at interagency airtanker bases to ensure safe, efficient, and effective operations in support of interagency goals and objectives.

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