Title:

The Dead Man Zone: A neglected area of fire fighter safety

Date:

March 2001

Organisations

CSIRO

Authors:

Phil Cheney; Jim Gould; Lachie McCaw

Location:

Australia, Australia

Overview

“The dead man zone a neglected area of fire fighter safety” discuss the concept of the “dead-man zone” looking at case studies where fire fighters were trapped and killed.  In the dead man zone, if the wind changes direction then the firefighters may not have enough time to find shelter and may be overwhelmed by the fire.

The report examines:

• Grays Point fire, January 1983
• Johnstones Creek Fire January 1998
• Linton Fire December 1998

The authors go on to provide new information on the rapid development of a line of fire when a wind change turns a flank fire into a head fire and provides guidelines on estimated time to withdraw safely.

Only members can add comments, please login to comment.

Links

• AFAC Corporate site
• KWeb Forums
• BISI