1. Module 10 – Handheld Burnout Operations & Ignition Patterns OOvveerrhheeaadd
Handheld Burnout Operations
& Ignition Patterns
OBJECTIVES
• SAFE use of handheld ignition devices
• advantages and disadvantages of
handheld ignition devices
• basic understanding of common LCPB
ignition patterns
• “hands on” training with handheld
ignition devices
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2. Module 10 – Handheld Burnout Operations & Ignition Patterns Overhead
DRIP TORCH
• most versatile and dependable of hand
ignition devices
• ignites fine fuels quickly
• uses mixture of 3 parts diesel fuel to 1
part gasoline
• mixture must be well mixed prior to
filling and prior to lighting
• maximum fill level of torch ¾
• quicker, easier ignition than any other
commonly used ground ignition
devices
• ¾ tank (4.5 litres) normally lasts about
an hour
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3. Module 10 – Handheld Burnout Operations & Ignition Patterns Overhead
DRIP TORCH SAFETY
• follow directions from Burn Boss
• avoid spills on clothing, boots, body
• refuel away from flammable material
• check and tighten all connections
before use
• if it leaks – don’t use it!
• carry torch away from body
• ignite on the downwind side of your
body
• maintain balance and watch your
footing – walk forward!
• keep a fire extinguisher close by
• place torch upright when not in use
• empty and clean torch prior to storage
• keep an eye on fellow workers and
ensure for a safe operation!
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4. Module 10 – Handheld Burnout Operations & Ignition Patterns Overhead
FUSEE
• most commonly available and used
hand ignition device
• must directly touch fuel to ignite
• classed as an EXPLOSIVE – subject to
spattering, can cause severe burns if
not handled properly
• smoke residue can cause headaches
• can be hand held or taped to a stick
• lasts about 5 – 20 minutes depending
on type and size
• can be thrown, with caution,
underhand only
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5. Module 10 – Handheld Burnout Operations & Ignition Patterns Overhead
FUSEE SAFETY
• eye protection and leather gloves
should be used as well as long sleeved
fire resistant clothing
• use caution if throwing – molten
material may fly off starting an
unplanned ignition or burning
personnel
• use caution against puncture wounds
is using fusees with spiked ends
• classed as an explosive – use caution
when transporting, using and
disposing
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6. Module 10 – Handheld Burnout Operations & Ignition Patterns Overhead
IGNITION PATTERNS
• most commonly used patterns on
LCPBs
• back fire
• flank fire
• head fire
• perimeter fire
• strip combination of above
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7. Module 10 – Handheld Burnout Operations & Ignition Patterns Overhead
BACK FIRE
Ignition line is set along the boundary
on the downwind portion of the burn
area. The resulting fire has to burn into
or “back” into the wind. Typically
results in a slow moving, low intensity
fire.
wind
control line
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8. Module 10 – Handheld Burnout Operations & Ignition Patterns Overhead
FLANK FIRE
Ignition line is set along the boundary
that is parallel to the wind direction.
The resulting fire has to burn across or
“flank” into the wind. Typically results
in a fire behaviour between that of a
head fire and back fire.
wind
control line
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9. Module 10 – Handheld Burnout Operations & Ignition Patterns Overhead
HEAD FIRE
Ignition line is set along the boundary
that is upwind the wind direction. The
resulting fire burns with the wind.
Typically results in a fast spreading,
moderate to high intensity fire.
wind
control line
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10. Module 10 – Handheld Burnout Operations & Ignition Patterns Overhead
PERIMETER FIRE
Ignition line is set along the boundary
starting on the downwind side,
continuing up the flanks and across the
upwind side. Incorporates back, flank
and head fire ignition.
Head fire Head fire
Wind
Back fire Back fire
Flank
fire
Flank
fire
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11. Module 10 – Handheld Burnout Operations & Ignition Patterns Overhead
STRIP FIRE
At least two ignition lines are lit parallel
to each other and a boundary. The
convection from the interior line aids in
pulling the line lit on the boundary away
from the boundary.
1st Ignition Line
2nd Ignition Line
Boundary
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12. Module 10 – Handheld Burnout Operations & Ignition Patterns Overhead
BRIEFING
• briefing must be held prior to ignition
• walk around of site very beneficial
• everyone needs to know THE PLAN
SAFETY
• safety must come first
• workers to understand tasks
• cover LACES
IGNITION ORGANIZATION
• normal ignition crew – 1 crew boss and 1-
3 igniters
• crew must be visible to each other and in
close proximity
• fire extinguisher and first aid kit
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13. Module 10 – Handheld Burnout Operations & Ignition Patterns Overhead
COMMUNICATIONS
Share what you see
- flame height
- torching
- erratic fire behaviour
- breaching of control lines or slopovers
- spotting
- how fire moves away from control lines
- changes in wind speed or direction
Share what you don’t see/understand
- unpredicted fire behaviour
- no other workers visible on site
- unsure where ignition line is going
- poor visibility causing disorientation
- unsure of escape routes/safety zones
- location of mixed fuel reserves
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