Survival Checklist

(Situations that Shout, "Watch Out")


The following is a list of Situations That Shout, “Watch Out.”  Be sure you understand why you should “watch out” when in such situations. 

  1. Fire not scouted and sized up.

  2. In country not seen in the daylight.

  3. Safety Zones and escape routes not identified.

  4. Unfamiliar with weather and local factors influencing fire behavior.

  5. Uninformed on Strategy, Tactics and Hazards.

  6. Assignment and instructions not clear.

  7. No communication link with other crew members or supervisor.

  8. Constructing fireline without safe anchor point.

  9. Building line downhill toward a fire.

  10. Attempting a frontal assault on fire.

  11. Unburned fuel between you and the fire.

  12. Cannot see main fire--not in communication with anyone who can.

  13. On a hillside where rolling material can ignite the fuel below.

  14. Weather is getting hotter and drier.

  15. Wind increases or changes direction.

  16. Getting frequent spot fires across line.

  17. Terrain and fuels make escape to safety zones difficult.

  18. Taking a nap near the fireline.