Moving a Fire Camp

Perking the trailers is no simple task.

Moving a Fire Camp

When you think about moving a fire camp, consider the moving part: all kinds of lumbering rigs ( crew buggies, tractor trailers containing shower and food preparation units, the wiring to connect each trailer with telephones, electricity, internet, a water

source, place to camp and park trailers, mobile sleeping units. Thatʼs a lot of synchronicity, and that does not include the partridge in the pear tree.

One of the most important criteria for selecting a fire camp and Incident Command Post is water. If drinking and bathing water are not available in a perked location, hauling water will be an elaborate fundamental expense. Another criteria for a fire camp is power to drive the plethora of computers necessary to operate the many units that compose a fire management team. This equipment needs to be dry and as dust free as possible. Often easier said than done, even with dust abatement trucks spraying dirt and gravel roads periodically to minimize dust. Cell coverage and places for personnel to pitch tents are needed. If a fire camp needs to expand or be reduced relocation may be necessary. Often schools and parks are used as water, electricity, and areas to camp are available. Once a resource is identified as a suitable fire camp location, an agreement is

negotiated by a Procurement Officer of the agency where the fire is located. This is called a Land Use Agreement.

A Logistics Chief invests many years in the Incident Management System to earn the qualifications to put these ducks in a row. A Logistics Chief must earn a Unit Leader in Facilities as a first and mandatory qualifications. This may take several years to accomplish. Secondly, one other Unit Leader qualification must be earned, usually this is a Ground Support Unit Leader or a Supplies Unit Leader.

The reason a fire camp can suddenly appear and disappear smoothly is qualified Logistics Chiefs dedicated to making a good and safe shelter, even if itʼs temporary firecamp for 4,687 people and 300 vehicles.