The Federal Fire and Aviation Safety Team
Firefighters need to be aware of the potential for personal violence directed against them while they are engaged in fire operations and be alert to the warning signs during personal encounters with individuals.
They also need to be aware of potential criminal activity, such as illegal dumping on public lands, clandestine drug labs and marijuana cultivation in remote areas. People engaged in such criminal activity can be hostile and violent if discovered, so firefighters should be prepared to leave the area immediately.
If you meet a member of the public who is hostile, you should:
Be polite and non-threatening
Not try to reason with potentially violent individuals
Leave the area as soon as possible
Report the incident to you supervisor, dispatch and law enforcement authorities.
The vast majority of public land users are courteous and friendly, and want to use public lands properly and legally. Most firefighter contact with them will be friendly and educational to both parties.
Firefighters should be aware of the fact that there are exceptions to this rule, and should cultivate a situational awareness when they are in the field.
If a firefighter feels at all uneasy or uncertain about a situation in the field, they should not be embarrassed to leave the area. Firefighter safety and health are always primary considerations on the job.
Note: It is unlawful for anyone to physically or verbally abuse a Federal employee who is acting within the scope of their duties — notify law enforcement at once if either occurs.
For more safety tips from the Federal Fire and Aviation Safety Team, visit its Six Minutes for Safety section at www.nifc.gov
