Controlled Burn Training
Every year, Pizzo & Associates team members complete in-depth prescribed fire training, also known as controlled burn training. It doesn’t matter if team members are brand new or have been involved in multiple burn seasons. The safety of everyone involved including the properties we service, are of utmost importance.
Firefighter Training Programs S-130 & S-190
It is required that any employee who assists in conducting a controlled burn managed by Pizzo & Associates is required to complete two firefighter training programs: S-130 Wildland Firefighter Training and S190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior. Wildland fire training covers a wide variety of terrains and environments, and it is critical that all Pizzo employees understand fire behavior for all environments and the various fuel types. In our line of work, “Fuel” is the plant materials being burned. The four major fuel groups found in Illinois are:
- Grass
- Shrub
- Timber
- Timber Litter
The fuels are measured and categorized based on how fast they burn and how reactive they are to changes in humidity. This is mostly a function of their diameter. Pizzo and Associates conducts prescribed fire all throughout the Midwest.
Prescribed Fire Training: Classroom Education
All Pizzo team members who are new to prescribed fire start with 2 full days of classroom training. Every year, Pizzo & Associates rents out meeting space at The Shuman in Naperville so all attendees are remained focused during the training and removed from any distractions that would otherwise be present at our headquarters in Leland. All employees are required to earn a passing score before be allowed to advance to field training.
Did you know? We continue training even when the Naperville Fire Department preforms a mandatory fire drill during classroom training. In which case we do a little fire training in the parking lot while waiting to reenter the building.
Hands-On Field Education for Prescribed Fire Training
Tactics and knowledge learned from classroom training are then applied in hands-on scenarios in small groups to ensure each employee gets direct support from instructors as well as other team members who have completed multiple burn seasons. Here is a behind the scenes look at different learning stations for controlled burns and the equipment used.
Prescribed Fire Safety & Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Our safety and PPE station was lead by Nick Kinsella (Contracting Manager) and Jeff Myers (Facilities & Safety Manger). Here employees learned more about personal protective equipment, how to wear it, what is needed underneath, and for returning burn crew members, inspections of gear. Reminders of new safety regulations were covered. With safety regulations, it is not a one and done situation but are actively discussed on a regular basis.
Did you know? Only 100% cotton or other natural fibers are required to worn under Nomex jackets and pants because other synthetic blends which include polyester melt under extreme heats. They will burn and adhere to your skin.
Controlled Burn Procedures
The controlled burn procedures station was led by Evan Barker (Quality Control Manager), who is also our head burn boss. Here, employees learned how to access and interpret burn schedules and what weather conditions are needed for crews to conduct a controlled burn. Every burn day starts with a pre-burn meeting. This is required by law in Illinois. When other companies don’t do this, the burn could legally be considered arson and is very unsafe for all involved. During the pre-burn meeting, crew member roles and safety procedures are discussed to ensure that everyone knows their tasks and what to expect during the burn. Understanding fire behavior is critical for each crew member.
Did you know? Before starting any burn, Pizzo & Associates have already contacted local fire departments and has obtained any necessary special permits.
Water Pump Use and ATV Safety for Controlled Burns
This station was led by Sean Horan (Fleet & Equipment Manager) and Margaret Gazdacka (Project Manager). Under extreme cold and heat conditions equipment becomes a challenge. Here, employees are instructed on proper use of water pumps and what steps are needed to ensure equipment is working and available when needed. Since many burns happen in the winter months, not only do crews have to be concerned with extreme heat from fires, but with frigid temperatures that have the potential to freeze water lines. This is especially true when traveling long distances to job sites.
Did you know? Sean is also a volunteer firefighter with the Bristol Kendall Fire Protection District and has been since 1997.
Burn Prep & Environmentally Safe Foam
The controlled burn prep station was led by Jeremiah Moore-Moauro (Territory Manager), Alicia Rozgus (Project Manager), and Derek Both (Project Manager). The goal of burn prep is to prepare a site to ensure safe conditions by keeping a fire contained within the boundaries of prep lines. Smoke, however, is unavoidable as it is always present with fire – our primary concern during the burn should be on smoke management, as the unit should be prepped extremely well. Tools used for burn prep were also demonstrated and techniques were practiced to maximize the effectiveness of each type of tool.
Did you know? Foam is used to aid in managing a prescribed fire and helps to reduce smoke. It can be used to reinforce wet lines or control lines, protect trees, and can be sprayed directly on structures if needed. The foam is environmentally safe and will not harm anything it comes in contact with.
Prescribed Fire Drip Torches and Fire Shelters
At this station, crew members were shown the proper procedures for using and maintaining drip torches by Jack Pizzo (Founder and President). In addition, each employee had to deploy and enter a fire shelter within 25 seconds – repeating the process until obtaining a passing time. Fire shelters are a last resort for firefighters and required for firefighter training. The goal is to never have to use one, but it is critical for everyone to be able to use them properly if the need arises.
Did you know? The fire shelter has been required equipment for wildland firefighters since 1977. Since that time, shelters have saved the lives of more than 300 firefighters and have prevented hundreds of serious injuries. Source: USDA Forest Service
Certified Prescribed Fire Contractor
Prescribed fire safety is always first and foremost. The annual training company-wide shows our dedication to safety. This training is an investment that many restoration companies are not providing to their crew members. This is why we always caution people to make sure they use certified prescribed fire contractors who are committed to safety and have a proven track record. Pizzo & Associates is a certified prescribed fire contractor with locations in Illinois and Michigan, providing controlled burns throughout the Midwest.
Did you know? Since 1988, Pizzo & Associates has had zero fire injuries. This is a testament to the dedication and investment in prescribed fire training. Other ecological restoration companies can't claim the same record.
