317 - TRASH & BRUSH OPERATIONS

317.1 - DEFINITION & SUMMARY

“Any fire involving refuse, debris, rubbish containers, dumpsters, or other discarded materials located outdoors, where the burning of ordinary combustibles, plastics, or unknown materials may occur.”

Outside trash fires present operational challenges due to the wide variety of materials that may be burning. Hazards may include plastics, chemicals, pressurized containers, or biohazardous waste. These variables directly influence tactical decisions, resource deployment, and safety protocols. A consistent baseline of operational requirements shall be maintained regardless of the fire’s size or suspected origin.

317.1-2 TRASH FIRE OPERATIONS

RESPONSE ASSIGNMENT. 

A typical response to a reported garbage fire will include either a single engine company or a light force assignment. The resources dispatched will be determined by the reported size of the fire, its location, and the type of materials believed to be burning.

FIREFIGHTING OPERATIONS.
Upon arrival, the company officer shall conduct a size-up and determine the safest and most effective method of extinguishment. Crews may utilize manual or mechanical means as appropriate. Common methods include the use of hose lines, portable extinguishers, or other approved equipment.

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION.
The use of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) is mandatory for all personnel engaged in garbage fire operations. This requirement applies regardless of visible smoke conditions, as garbage fires often produce toxic products of combustion and unknown airborne hazards. Company officers are responsible for ensuring compliance and maintaining crew safety throughout the incident.

POST-FIRE OPERATIONS.
Following extinguishment, companies shall connect to a nearby hydrant to replenish their onboard water tank before returning to service. Crews will also conduct an overhaul as necessary to ensure complete extinguishment and prevent rekindling. In the case of displaced (polite term for homeless residents) using the burned area previously as a residence, contact the local law enforcement agency and request additional patrols in the area, along with assistance from the American Red Cross (ARC) for those affected.

Arson, Counter Terrorism Section should only be contacted if malicious intent is expected as a potential avenue of the fire being caused, especially if structures or property were damaged or otherwise destroyed.

317.2-1 - DEFINITION & SUMMARY

By faction standards, the definition of a brush and vegetation fire is: “A brush and vegetation fire refers to any fire involving natural fuels such as grass, weeds, brush, shrubs, or trees, where terrain, weather, and fuel conditions contribute to fire behavior.” 

The listings below will provide operational insight, and what needs to be completed to ensure the incident is effectively resolved without any future incidents occurring.

317.2-2 BRUSH FIRE OPERATIONS

RESPONSE ASSIGNMENT. 

A typical response to a reported brush or vegetation fire could include multiple engine companies, water tenders, brush patrol units, or other off-road terrain apparatus as required. The resources dispatched will be determined by the reported size of the fire, its location, accessibility, and the type of fuels involved. 

FIREFIGHTING OPERATIONS.
Upon arrival, the company officer shall conduct a size-up and determine the safest and most effective strategy for containment and extinguishment. Crews may utilize direct or indirect attack methods as appropriate. Common tactics include the use of hose lines, brush patrol units, hand tools, bulldozers, water tankers, or other specialized wildland firefighting equipment. The company officer shall also determine whether the Department of Forestry needs to be requested for assistance, or if the incident can be managed with additional department units or mutual aid resources. 

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION.
The use of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) is required only when personnel are transitioning from an Urban-Wildland Interface (UWI) Team, or if the brush or vegetation fire has fully progressed into a structure fire or another incident where brush involvement is minimal or nonexistent. Company officers are responsible for determining when SCBA use is necessary and for ensuring crew safety throughout the operation. 

POST-FIRE OPERATIONS.
Following extinguishment, companies shall refill their onboard water tanks from a nearby hydrant or other water source before returning to service. Crews shall also conduct an overhaul as necessary to ensure complete extinguishment and prevent rekindling. If applicable, the company officer shall notify the appropriate local land preservation agency- such as CALFIRE Prevention, California State Parks, California Fish & Wildlife, or the Los Angeles City Park Rangers Division- of the approximate damage. The notification should include a request for additional preservation efforts and patrols for both firewatch and safety purposes. Preservation agencies may also coordinate with firefighting units on hazard mitigation, fuel reduction, or other preventative measures to reduce the risk of future fires.

The Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section shall only be contacted if there is evidence or suspicion of malicious intent, particularly if structures, property, or other significant assets were damaged or destroyed.