WAC 296-305-07009   Apparatus standards for wildland firefighting.  This section applies to wildland fire apparatus meeting the NIIMS ICS typing of a Type 3 through Type 7 engine, and intended for use combating fires occurring in natural vegetation or occurring in natural vegetation and threatening improvements. See Appendix D for equipment types.

     (1) In a wildland fire, an engine may provide the primary protection for a crew in the event of unexpected fire behavior or an action that places the engine crew in a position of being exposed to heat and smoke.

     (2) Apparatus speed shall be determined to be safe if in the judgment of the officer in charge, the following are taken into consideration:

     (a) The particular wildland fire attack methods being utilized including, but not limited to the nature of the fire, the type of terrain, weather conditions, equipment conditions, and whether personnel are positioned in wildland firefighting enclosures;

     (b) The forgoing provision shall not relieve a driver from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons in all conditions;

     (c) Nor shall such provision protect the driver from the consequences of his/her reckless disregard for the safety of others.

     (3) Because of the sheltering offered by an engine, the following minimum standards shall be complied with:

     (a) The number of individuals working/assigned as an engine crew shall not exceed the manufacturer's cab capacity.

     (b) Any time an engine is moved when not directly attacking a fire, personnel shall ride in the vehicle's enclosed cabin area, in a seat-belted location, or be off the vehicle.

     (c) Any time engines are used in a mobile attack configuration, and personnel other than the driver are on the apparatus, personnel shall ride in the manufacturer's enclosed cabin, or use the personnel restraints and enclosures identified in WAC 296-305-07011.

     (d) All personnel working on or around engines in a ground mobile attack mode or in riding positions shall have visual or voice contact with the driver.

     (e) Vehicles operating in smoke or dust shall have their headlights, and if so equipped, a flashing or rotating roof light illuminated.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and[49.17].060 . 96-11-067, § 296-305-07009, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97; Order 77-20, § 296-305-07009, filed 10/18/77 and Emergency Order 77-24, filed 11/17/77, effective 12/17/77.]