Wildland Urban Interface ❘ By BRYAN McLEAN
Handline construction is one of the main methods for containing a wildland fire. You can use it as both an offensive and a defensive tactic as well as a direct or an indirect attack method. This process of removing available fuel for the fire by clearing an area down to mineral soil stops the fire’s spread. Depending on the assignment, handline construction can take a fair amount of time, resources, and planning. However, no matter the assignment, always remember the acronym LCES (Lookouts, Communications, Escape routes, and Safety zones), the “10 Standard Fire Orders,” and the “18 Situations to Shout ‘Watch Out.’”
(1) Handline containment supported with a hoselay. (Photos courtesy of author.)
(2) Crews construct the handline.
Dozers can construct a lot of line, but they cannot access some areas because of rough terrain or they are not allowed to operate in some areas such as wilderness. This is where the handline becomes crucial. It is extremely important to have a handline properly anchored to something such as a natural barrier or another control line. This prevents the fire from burning around the control line in the event of a change in weather or fire behavior.
Tools and Teamwork
Generally, hand crews of approximately 20 personnel perform handline construction. The main tools used in wildland handline construction are the Pulaski, the McLeod, the shovel, and the chain saw. Depending on the fuel type, crews are arranged with the chain saws and “swampers” in the front, followed by Pulaskis to break up the soil, then followed by scraping tools such as the McLeod. Each person is spaced roughly 10 feet apart, also known as “keeping your dime.” Members communicate with each other as to how much material to take or leave to ensure that everyone shares the workload. Identify escape routes and safety zones prior to engaging, and reevaluate during construction.
Types of Handlines
The three most common types of handline tactics are the hot line, constructing handlines for firing operations, and onstructing handlines supported by a hoselay or crews.
(3) Holding a firing operation supported by a hoselay.
(4) A Pulaski ax, which clearly shows the ax and adz ends.
(5) Fire departments should always have a McLeod on hand.
The hot line. This is used as a direct attack where the handline is constructed right along the fire’s edge. The handline follows the contour of the fire; you can generally gauge its effectiveness immediately. Make sure not to drag burning materials into the unburned fuels (the green). The ability to perform this type of handline is limited to proper training and personal protective equipment as well as fire activity. This is good for smaller or spot fires.
Constructing handlines for firing operations. With this method, you create a barrier from which you can ignite the vegetation (using a drip torch). The handline anchors one side of the firing operation while the backing fire creates a buffer of burned material ahead of the main fire.
Constructing handlines supported by a hoselay or crews. This method starts ahead of the fire, allowing it to burn into the handline and extinguishing it with the hoselay already in place.
In addition, a scratch line is a quick handline that is constructed to slow the fire. It’s also good for situations where there may not be sufficient personnel for a handline. These are generally followed up by a formal handline to ensure containment. Another type is the underslung handline, which is constructed across a slope. A trench or “V” cut is placed on the downhill side to catch any rolling debris to prevent it from crossing the handline. Finally, in any handline construction, ensure that discarded vegetation is spread out rather than placed in large piles, sometimes referred to as “jackpots.”
Planning
As with anything else, planning plays a large role in handline construction. Base the handline’s type and placement—as well as its size and width—on strategic goals and tactical objectives. As a general guideline, the width of a handline is 1½ times the height of the tallest or most dominant fuel. You may need to increase the handline width based on factors such as fuel types, wind, topography, and fire activity such as long-range spotting. In addition, address ladder fuels along the handline and calculate the time it will take to complete the handline construction. There are standard times based on the types of crews, but they will vary because of factors such as crews, proper work-to-rest ratios, weather, terrain, and so on.
Overall, it is important to maintain a high level of situational awareness though the use of LCES: Assign lookouts; have good communications; and have personnel identify and know all escape routes and safety zones.
BRYAN McLEAN is a 24-year fire service veteran and a captain with the Cosumnes (CA) Fire Department, where he has worked for the past 13 years including six as a captain and two with the training division. McLean has also worked for the Novato (CA) Fire Protection District as well as the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. He has a bachelor of science degree in fire administration and an associate of science degree in fire science.
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