319 - FORESTRY OPERATIONS

319.1 - DEFINITION & SUMMARY

“Any fire involving natural vegetation such as grass, brush, shrubs, trees, or other combustible plant materials, occurring across large forested areas, open fields, or wildland-urban interface zones.”

Forestry and wildland fires present operational challenges due to variations in fuel type, fuel load, terrain, weather conditions, and accessibility over expansive areas. Hazards may include rapidly spreading flames, embers causing spot fires, unstable terrain, and exposure to wildlife or hazardous plants. 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, location, or potential for spread.

319.1-2 FOREST FIRE OPERATIONS

RESPONSE ASSIGNMENT. 

A typical response to a reported forestry or wildland fire will include multiple engine companies, water tenders, brush patrol units, and other off-road apparatus as required. The resources dispatched will be determined by the reported size of the fire, its location, terrain, accessibility, and the type of fuels involved. For larger incidents, the first-arriving officer shall strongly consider requesting assistance from state forestry agencies, such as CALFIRE, or federal land management agencies, including the U.S Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management, to support containment, suppression, and safety operations.

Additional resources may include aerial support such as helicopters, air tankers, or drones for reconnaissance and water/retardant drops. Mutual aid from neighboring fire departments or jurisdictions should also be considered when the scale, complexity, or accessibility of the fire exceeds initial departmental capabilities.

Evacuations, if necessary, shall be carried out by local law enforcement agencies and coordinated by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to ensure public safety and orderly traffic management.

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. Typically, mechanical operations are not available or convenient enough to perform operations effectively due to accessibility, terrain, weather, or by-products of combustion, making the method unsafe. Consider tactics wisely, including using the #fd-alerts channel. (Firefighter III+)

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.

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

USE OF CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS INMATES.

CDCR inmates may be deployed as hand crews to assist with wildland fire suppression, including constructing fire lines, clearing vegetation, and supporting hose operations. They may be played by any server member or a known server guest in good standing. Deployment must be approved by a Battalion Chief or higher and a law enforcement supervisor, respectively. 

The crew shall be accompanied by at a minimum, ONE LE Faction, Police Officer II armed with a shotgun or long rifle; in good physical health, capable of walking, running, or performing strenuous tasks. Accompanying law enforcement personnel shall wear, at a minimum, a protective helmet. They are strongly advised to utilize utility or work uniforms rather than standard law enforcement dress attire, as traditional uniforms (dress shirts and trousers) can restrict mobility and increase fire risk or injury. 

Inmate crews shall work under the direct supervision of qualified firefighting personnel, a minimum of one Law Enforcement Officer, and be integrated into the overall incident plan.

Note: If at any time, a company officer or chief feels that an inmate affects the cohesion or otherwise polarizes the ability to complete fire suppression or otherwise, they are obligated to report this to CDCR or the assisting agency providing a protection detail, and have them returned to their assigned correctional facility. Escape attempts, successful or otherwise, are not the priority in terms of firefighting operations unless it directly impact the safety and well-being of the crew or Incident Action Plan as a whole. As outlined in 103.2-1 Self Defense in the means of self-preservation, Firefighters retain the right to defend themselves if confronted by a combative inmate. Any use of force must be limited to what is reasonably necessary to ensure personal safety and maintain crew security until custody staff can assume control.

If a firefighter is required to defend themselves against a combative inmate, the incident will be documented and investigated to ensure proper procedures were followed. The company officer or chief must immediately report the event to CDCR or the assisting agency, and the incident commander, who will assign appropriate resources to handle the inmate and initiate the investigative process.

The investigation will determine:

• Whether the firefighter’s actions were reasonable and proportional to the threat.

• If de-escalation options were attempted or feasible under the circumstances.

• Whether the safety of the crew and the integrity of the firefighting mission were maintained.

Firefighters will not be penalized for taking necessary defensive action in good faith. All findings will be documented and shared with the fire agency, CDCR, and relevant oversight authorities.

Given the nature of their role, Inmates will not use any /onduty commands or use a radio system unless determined by the Incident Action Plan. Inmate Firefighters are typically categorized as "low-risk" and are not escape-prone, given the benefits they gain from the program. Assigned law enforcement, company officers, and the Incident Management Team are equally responsible for maintaining crew cohesion and accountability for their actions. 

Law Enforcement Agencies approved by CALFIRE to oversee CDCR Inmates;

• California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation

• California Highway Patrol

• Any Municipal Sheriff Agency

California Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention, Law Enforcement should only be used if no other agency is available.