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Redbook Policy Statements Pertaining to EnginesBLM Engines BLM engines carry 2-6 firefighters and are used primarily for wildfire suppression, fuels reduction, and other fire management duties. They are capable of performing self-contained initial attack suppression operations, and can generally provide single resource incident management capability up to the Type 4 level. Operational Procedures All engines will be equipped, operated, and maintained within guidelines established by the Department of Transportation (DOT), regional/state/local operating plans, and procedures outlined in BLM Manual H-9216, Fire Equipment and Supply Management. All personnel assigned to agency fire engines will meet all gear weight, cube, and manifest requirements specified in the National Mobilization Guide. Fire Vehicle Operation Standards Operators of all vehicles must abide by state traffic regulations. Operation of all vehicles will be conducted within the limits specified by the manufacturer. Limitations based on tire maximum speed ratings and Gross Vehicle Weight restrictions must be followed. It is the vehicle operator’s responsibility to ensure vehicles abide by these and any other limitations specified by agency or state regulations. Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) Each engine will have an annually certified weight slip in the vehicle at all times. Operators of engines and water tenders must ensure that the maximum certified GVW is never exceeded, including gear, personnel and fuel. If the proper number of personnel are not available during the weighing the NFPA 1906 standard of 250 pounds for each person and their personal gear may be used to calculate the loaded weight. Maintaining Equipment It is agency policy to maintain each piece of fire equipment at a high level of performance and in a condition consistent with the work it has been designed to perform. This shall be accomplished through application of a uniform preventive maintenance program, timely repair of components broken or damaged while on assignment, and in accordance with all agency fiscal requirements. Repairs shall be made and parts replaced, as identified, to keep the equipment functional and in top operating condition. Fire Engine Maintenance Procedure and Record (FEMPR) The FEMPR will be used to document periodic maintenance on all engines. Apparatus safety and operational inspections will be performed at the intervals recommended by the manufacturer and on a daily and post-fire basis as required. All annual inspections will include a pump gpm test to ensure the pump/plumbing system is operating at desired specifications. Light Use Visibility Headlights and taillights shall remain illuminated at all times while the vehicle is in operation. Overhead lighting (or other appropriate emergency lights) shall be illuminated whenever visibility is reduced to less than 300 feet. Headlights and taillights will be illuminated at all times while the vehicle is in motion. Emergency lighting will be used only during on site wildland fire operations or to mitigate serious safety hazards. Overhead lighting and other emergency lighting must meet state code requirements, and will be illuminated whenever the visibility is reduced to less than 300 feet. Blue lights are not acceptable for wildland fire operations. Emergency lighting may be used during a response to an incident or to mitigate serious safety hazards. If emergency lighting is to be used it must be approved by State Director and meet all state and local emergency services training and certification requirements. Overhead lighting and other emergency lighting must meet state code requirements. Engine Inventories An inventory of supplies and equipment carried on each engine is required to maintain accountability and to obtain replacement items lost or damaged on incidents. Chocks At least one chock will be carried on each engine and will be properly utilized whenever the engine is parked or left unattended. This includes engine operation in a stationary mode without a driver “in place.” Fire Extinguisher All engines will have at least one 5 lb. ABC-rated (minimum) fire extinguisher, either in full view or in a clearly marked compartment. First Aid Kit Each engine shall carry, in a clearly marked compartment, a fully equipped 10-person first aid kit. High Visibility Vests A new federal regulation, 23 CFR 634, will require anyone working in a right-of-way of a federal-aid highway to wear high-visibility clothing that meets industry high visibility requirements. For current information refer to: http://www.nifc.gov/wfstar/index.htm. BLM Engine Typing BLM engines are typed according to the following interagency standards stated in the NWCG Fireline Handbook (PMS 410-1) BLM Engine Minimum Staffing Requirements All BLM engines will meet these staffing standards on every fire response. Engines operating with more than 4 firefighters will always have a fully qualified ENOP (other than the captain). BLM engines operating with more than 3 firefighters will always have an FFT1. Chase vehicles are considered part of the engine staffing.
BLM Engine - Fire Training and Qualification Standards
BLM Engine - Driver Training and Qualification Requirements
* S-216 Driving for the Fire Service or the BLM Engine Operator Course will satisfy this refresher training requirement. ** WCF class 650 and 668 driver and maintenance training will be conducted by the FAD Division of Fire Operations Equipment Development Unit annually. Travel, per-diem, vehicle operating charges and fuel costs directly related to this training will be covered by the EDU; base salary and overtime costs will be covered by the students’ home unit. All hands-on components of engine driver training courses will be conducted on the specific vehicle or vehicle type that the driver will be using. Driving Standard All employees driving motor vehicles are responsible for the proper care, operation, maintenance and protection of the vehicle. The use of government owned, rented, or leased motor vehicles is for official business only. Unauthorized use is prohibited. General Driving Policy
Incident Operations Driving This policy addresses driving by personnel actively engaged in wildland fire suppression or all-risk activities; including driving while assigned to a specific incident (check-in to check-out) or during initial attack fire response (includes time required to control the fire and travel to a rest location).
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