Part II – During a Wildland Fire: Safety and Operations

During a Wildfire: Safety & Operations

Safety

Firefighters, staff, and public safety comes first as outlined in the Director’s Order (DO) #18: Wildland Fire management. In an emergency concessioners should follow guidance and directives from emergency first responders on evacuation and communicate effectively with both park and concession staff. If a wildfire is anticipated, review your communication and evacuation plans with park and concession staff. Protect structures by closing any doors, attics, or windows inside a structure if you can. Stay aware of the latest news and updates from your local weather media and fire staff. Limit your exposure to harmful smoke and dust. Keep windows and doors closed prior to evacuation to prevent exposing yourself and others to harmful smoke. If trapped, follow fire management’s guidance by calling the emergency number provided or 911 and giving the dispatcher your location. Turn on lights to help rescuers find you.

Operations

Operations can become frantic during a fire and evacuation, but safety is the first priority for everyone in the park. Concessioners may be under elevated levels of stress as they attempt to manage their staff, facilities, and remain safe. Using an emergency communication plan like a PACE plan, to notify and update concession staff can ensure personnel have the most up-to-date information on evacuation, records, and other essential information. Concessions and park staff should have their own plan but coordinate closely with each other. Once in a safe location, noting a few key moments during an event can make returning to operations easier:

• Incident started on ____.

• Concessioner closure on____.

• Park closure on____.

• Concessioner administrative access closed on ___.

• Public access closed on ______.

• Concessioner operations resumed on _____.

Maintain records electronically so the material can be accessed off site and having a brief description of the impact on operations, and an inventory of compensable loss can make returning to operations easier. Although it is important to maintain records, exiting the area quickly and safely is the first priority. Operational assistance from a concession specialist trained in incident response may be available on site or remotely.

Learn more

Learn more about staying safe during a wildfire at cdc.gov. Monitor fire weather in and around your park by visiting weather.gov.