10's and 18's
GFP is offering the following information as pre-course work for NEW firefighters. The 10 Standard Fire Orders were developed in 1957 by a task force studying ways to prevent firefighter injuries and fatalities. Shortly after the Standard Fire Orders were incorporated into firefighter training, the 18 Situations That Shout Watch Out were developed. These 18 situations are more specific and cautionary than the Standard Fire Orders and described situations that expand the 10 points of the Fire Orders. If firefighters follow the 10 Standard Fire Orders and are alerted to the 18 Watch Out Situations, much of the risk of firefighting can be reduced.
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The 10 Standard Fire Orders
A few years ago, the NWCG Parent Group approved the revision of the Ten Standard Fire Orders in accordance with their original arrangement. The original arrangement of the Orders are logically organized to be implemented systematically and applied to all fire situations.
Fire Behavior
- 1. Keep informed on fire weather conditions and forecasts.
- 2. Know what your fire is doing at all times.
- 3. Base all actions on current and expected behavior of the fire.
Fireline Safety
- 4. Identify escape routes and make them known.
- 5. Post lookouts when there is possible danger.
- 6. Be alert. Keep calm. Think clearly. Act decisively.
Organizational Control
- 7, Maintain prompt communications with your forces, your supervisor and adjoining forces.
- 8. Give clear instructions and insure they are understood.
- 9. Maintain control of your forces at all times.
If 1-9 are considered then...
- 10. Fight fire aggressively, having provided for safety first.
The 10 Standard Fire Orders are firm. We don’t break them; we don’t bend them. All firefighters have the right to a safe assignment.