HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/24/2014 - Workshop Agenda Packet - City CouncilCouncil Workshop
College Station, TX
Meeting Agenda
1101 Texas Ave
College Station, TX 77840
City Hall Council Chambers4:30 PMThursday, July 24, 2014
1.Call meeting to order.
2.Executive Session will be held in the Administrative Conference Room.
Consultation with Attorney {Gov’t Code Section 551.071}; possible action. The
City Council may seek advice from its attorney regarding a pending or
contemplated litigation subject or settlement offer or attorney-client privileged
information. Litigation is an ongoing process and questions may arise as to a
litigation tactic or settlement offer, which needs to be discussed with the City
Council. Upon occasion the City Council may need information from its attorney
as to the status of a pending or contemplated litigation subject or settlement
offer or attorney-client privileged information. After executive session
discussion, any final action or vote taken will be in public. The following
subject(s) may be discussed:
Litigation
a.The City of College Station v. Star Insurance Company, Civil Action No. 4:11
CV 02023, In the U.S. District Court for the Southern District, Houston Division
b. Patricia Kahlden, individ. and as rep. of the Estate of Lillie May Williams
Bayless v. Laura Sue Streigler, City of College Station and James Steven Elkins,
Cause No. 11 003172 CV 272, In the 272nd District Court of Brazos County, Texas
c. Deluxe Burger Bar of College Station, Inc. D/B/A Café Eccell v. Asset Plus
Realty Corporation, City of College Station, Texas and the Research Valley
Partnership, Inc., Cause No. 13 002978 CV 361, In the 361st Judicial District
Court, Brazos County, Texas
d. Margaret L. Cannon v. Deputy Melvin Bowser, Officer Bobby Williams,
Officer Tristan Lopez, Mr. Mike Formicella, Ms. Connie Spence, Cause No.
13 002189 CV 272, In the 272nd District Court of Brazos County, Texas
e. Bobby Trant v. BVSWMA, Inc., Cause No. 33014, In the District Court,
Grimes County, Texas, 12th Judicial District
Page 1 College Station, TX Printed on 7/18/2014
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July 24, 2014Council Workshop Meeting Agenda
Real Estate {Gov’t Code Section 551.072}; possible action The City Council
may deliberate the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property if
deliberation in an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the position
of the City in negotiations with a third person. After executive session
discussion, any final action or vote taken will be in public. The following
subject(s) may be discussed:
a. Property located at or near University Drive and Tarrow/East Tarrow Streets
in College Station
Economic Incentive Negotiations {Gov’t Code Section 551.087}; possible action
The City Council may deliberate on commercial or financial information that the
City Council has received from a business prospect that the City Council seeks
to have locate, stay or expand in or near the city which the City Council in
conducting economic development negotiations may deliberate on an offer of
financial or other incentives for a business prospect. After executive session
discussion, any final action or vote taken will be in public. The following
subject(s) may be discussed:
a. Economic incentives for a proposed development located in the College
Station Medical District – East
5:30 P.M.
3.Take action, if any, on Executive Session.
4.Presentation, possible action and discussion on items listed on the consent
agenda.
Presentation, possible action and discussion regarding the
Kyle Field Game Day Study.
14-5565.
Presentation, possible action, and discussion of the Wildfire
Assessment of wildland and Urban Interface in the City of
College Station.
14-5546.
College Station Pre-Attack Plan Final.pdfAttachments:
Presentation, possible action, and discussion regarding
creation of a 2015 Bond Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC).
14-5497.
Page 2 College Station, TX Printed on 7/18/2014
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July 24, 2014Council Workshop Meeting Agenda
8.
9.Presentation, possible action, and discussion on future agenda items and
review of standing list of Council generated agenda items: A Council Member may
inquire about a subject for which notice has not been given. A statement of specific
factual information or the recitation of existing policy may be given. Any deliberation
shall be limited to a proposal to place the subject on an agenda for a subsequent
meeting.
10.Discussion, review and possible action regarding the following meetings:
Animal Shelter Board, Arts Council of Brazos Valley, Arts Council Sub-committee,
Audit Committee, Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Advisory Board, Bio-Corridor
Board of Adjustments, Blinn College Brazos Valley Advisory Committee, Brazos
County Health Dept., Brazos Valley Council of Governments, Bryan/College Station
Chamber of Commerce, Budget and Finance Committee, BVSWMA, BVWACS,
Compensation and Benefits Committee, Convention & Visitors Bureau, Design
Review Board, Economic Development Committee, Gigabit Broadband Initiative,
Historic Preservation Committee, Interfaith Dialogue Association, Intergovernmental
Committee, Joint Relief Funding Review Committee, Landmark Commission, Library
Board, Metropolitan Planning Organization, Parks and Recreation Board, Planning
and Zoning Commission, Research Valley Partnership, Research Valley Technology
Council, Regional Transportation Committee for Council of Governments,
Transportation and Mobility Committee, TAMU Student Senate, Texas Municipal
League, Twin City Endowment, Youth Advisory Council, Zoning Board of Adjustments,
(Notice of Agendas posted on City Hall bulletin board).
11.Adjourn
Page 3 College Station, TX Printed on 7/18/2014
July 25 Retirement Reception for Bart Humphreys in Council Chambers, 2:00p.m.
August 1 2014 TAAF 2015 GAMES OF TEXAS VIP RECEPTION, Blue BellPark - Diamond Club, 6:00 p.m. August 4 Bicycle, Pedestrian & Greenways Advisory Board Meeting in CouncilChambers, 3:00 p.m. August 7 P&Z Workshop/Regular Meeting in Council Chambers, 6:00 p.m.(Liaison, Steve Aldrich) August 13 Invitation to be Celebrity Server - BVFB "Feast of Caring", Brazos
Center, 11:00 a.m.
August 14 Executive Session/Workshop/Regular Meeting at 4:30, 5:30 & 7:00
p.m.
Council Calendar
1101 Texas Ave
College Station, TX 77840College Station, TX
Legislation Details (With Text)
File #: Version:114-556 Name:Kyle Field Game Day Study
Status:Type:Presentation Agenda Ready
File created:In control:6/27/2014 Council Workshop
On agenda:Final action:7/24/2014
Title:Presentation, possible action and discussion regarding the Kyle Field Game Day Study.
Sponsors:Troy Rother
Indexes:
Code sections:
Attachments:
Action ByDate Action ResultVer.
Presentation, possible action and discussion regarding the Kyle Field Game Day Study.
Relationship to Strategic Goals:
··Improving Mobility
Recommendation(s): No action is required.
Summary:In January 2014,The Texas A&M University System contracted with the Texas A&M
Transportation Institute to conduct a study to develop a traffic management plan for game day
football operations;which includes improvements in transit operations,signalization and traffic flow,
pedestrian paths,and game day parking options.This is the plan that the City and other local
partners recently approved measures to help fund.
This presentation to Council will discuss what actions are being recommended to handle the increase
in attendance,clear congestion faster,and provide timely information to motorists,as well as
increase awareness of dining, hotel, and entertainment options in the area.
Budget & Financial Summary: No budget or financial impacts at this time.
Attachments: None
College Station, TX Printed on 7/18/2014Page 1 of 1
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1101 Texas Ave
College Station, TX 77840College Station, TX
Legislation Details (With Text)
File #: Version:114-554 Name:Wildfire Assessment
Status:Type:Presentation Agenda Ready
File created:In control:6/27/2014 Council Workshop
On agenda:Final action:7/24/2014
Title:Presentation, possible action, and discussion of the Wildfire Assessment of wildland and Urban
Interface in the City of College Station.
Sponsors:Eric Hurt
Indexes:
Code sections:
Attachments:College Station Pre-Attack Plan Final.pdf
Action ByDate Action ResultVer.
Presentation, possible action, and discussion of the Wildfire Assessment of wildland and Urban
Interface in the City of College Station.
Relationship to Strategic Goals: (Select all that apply)
··Good Governance
··Financially Sustainable City
··Core Services and Infrastructure
··Neighborhood Integrity
··Diverse Growing Economy
··Improving Mobility
··Sustainable City
Recommendation(s):
Summary:
In 2013 the College Station Fire Department asked the Texas A&M Forest Service to conduct a
wildfire threat assessment in conjuction with the help of CSFD. The assessment is complete and this
presentation will point out possible problem areas.
Budget & Financial Summary: None
Attachments:
College Station, TX Printed on 7/18/2014Page 1 of 1
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Preparedness Strategies Introduction ................................................ 4-5
Wildland Urban Interface Firefighting ................................................. 6
Operations
Incident Objectives ............................................................................. 7
Command Considerations ............................................................. 8-9
Tactical Considerations .............................................................. 10-15
Communication ................................................................................ 16
Water Sources .............................................................................. 17-19
Air Resources .................................................................................... 20
Helicopters ......................................................................................... 21
Evacuation Considerations ........................................................ 22-23
Special Populations ..................................................................... 24-27
Possible Shelter Locations ................................................................ 28
Contingency Planning ...................................................................... 29
Response Zone 1
Contingency Plan ........................................................................ 30-35
High-Risk Areas .................................................................................36
Response Zone 2
Contingency Plan ........................................................................ 37-41
High-Risk Areas .......................................................................... 42-43
Response Zone 3
Contingency Plan ........................................................................ 44-47
High-Risk Areas .................................................................................48
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
Response Zone 4
Contingency Plan ........................................................................ 49-53
High-Risk Areas ................................................................................ 54
Response Zone 5
Contingency Plan ........................................................................ 55-59
Extreme-Risk Area ........................................................................... 60
High-Risk Areas .......................................................................... 61-63
Response Zone 6 Information.............................................................. 64
Wildland Fire Response
Regional Fire Risk Levels ........................................................... 65-67
State Preparedness Levels ........................................................... 68-70
Texas Wildfire Response Process .................................................... 71
Requesting Resources ................................................................. 72-73
Transitioning Into Extended Attack ......................................... 74-77
FMAG Process ............................................................................. 78-79
Group Five: Safety
Attack Strategies .......................................................................... 80-81
Safety Zones ....................................................................................... 82
Medical Plan ...................................................................................... 83
Structure Protection Checklist .................................................. 84-85
Group Six: Other Resources
Acronyms ..................................................................................... 86-88
Glossary ........................................................................................ 89-98
ICS Forms .................................................................................. 99-102
Western Pineywood Predictive Services Area .................... 103-110
Contact List ..................................................................................... 111
Mitigation and response functions
directly affect each other. By
developing preparedness strategies,
the transition from mitigation
to response becomes smoother.
Additionally, critical information
is identified that which assist
responders who are not familiar with
the community.
College Station Fire Department’s Wildfire Pre-Attack Plan is
tailored to suit the needs of the community and can be used as
one of many tools to guide emergency responders in wildfire a
wildfire incident.
PREPAREDNESS STRATEGIES
INTRODUCTION
4
PREPAREDNESS STRATEGIES
INTRODUCTION
The City of College Station has six fire stations, each of which
has a designated response zone. The Wildfire Pre-Attack Plan
includes detailed information for response zones 1-6.
5
WILDLAND URBAN
INTERFACE FIREFIGHTING
Structure protection is inherently dangerous because it
involves indirect firefighting.
Do not commit to stay and protect a structure unless a safety
zone for firefighters and equipment has been identified at the
structure during size-up and triage. Move to the nearest safety
zone, let the fire front pass and return as soon as conditions
allow.
Fire Behavior Prediction:
• Base all actions on current and expected fire behavior. Do
this first!
• An estimate must be made of the approaching fire intensity
to determine if there is an adequate safety zone and time
available before the fire arrives.
• Due to the dynamic nature of fire behavior, intensity
estimates are difficult to make with absolute certainty. It is
imperative that firefighters consider the worst case and build
contingency actions into their plan to compensate for the
unexpected.
Source: Incident Response Pocket Guide, a publication of the
National Wildfire Coordinating Group
6
• Provide for responders’ safety, health, welfare and security.
• Provide for the public’s safety, health, welfare and security.
When necessary, provide for the safe evacuation and care of
the displaced and their animals.
• Limit the amount of homes and land lost to wildland fire.
• Provide for security and investigation of wildfire cause.
• Provide for search and rescue of the trapped and missing;
contain, control and mitigate all fires and hazardous
substances.
• Protect and maintain access to vital infrastructure and
utilities.
• Ensure compliance with the agency administrator and
stakeholders’ priorities.
INCIDENT
OBJECTIVES
Photo:
Stuart Villanueva
7
The City of College Station will maintain command of all incidents
within the city limits.
The Incident Commander will:
• Establish an Incident Command Post (ICP) and direct and
control emergency operations at the scene.
• Determine the need for and implement public warning and
protective actions at and in the vicinity of the incident site.
• Determine whether the EOC should be activated.
• Provide periodic situation updates to the EOC, if that facility is
activated.
• Identify resource requirements to the EOC, if that facility is
activated.
The Emergency Management Coordinator will:
• Develop and maintain the Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
staff roster and EOC operating procedures.
• Activate the EOC when requested or when the situation warrants.
• Serve as an EOC Manager.
• Coordinate resource and information support for emergency
operations.
• Coordinate emergency planning and impact assessment.
• Coordinate analysis of emergency response and recovery
problems and development of appropriate courses of action.
Source: Brazos County Interjurisdictional Emergency Management
Plan, Annex N, Direction and Control
COMMAND
CONSIDERATIONS
8
.
General Command Considerations:
• Structure protection groups should be created when high-
risk areas are threatened.
• The City EMC may begin staffing Incident Management
Team (IMT) positions as an incident transitions into
extended attack.
• Any incoming resources should be checked in and
demobilized during extended attack.
• All resources should be accounted for while at the
incident.
• Heavy smoke over the city may require evacuations for
special populations.
• The City of College Station EMC will establish shelter
locations and coordinate the process for notifying
evacuees of locations.
• The closest local Texas A&M Forest Service dozers are
staged in Huntsville and LaGrange.
• PHI Air Medic, which provides helicopter transport for
medical purposes, is permanently housed at St. Joseph
Regional Health Center, 2801 Franciscan. PHI also can
provide reconnaissance flights to locate or assist with
mapping a wildfire.
• Air One, a two-seat Cessna, can provide reconnaissance
flights when available. Contact Brazos County Dispatch.
• Consider a Wildland Alarm though Brazos County
Dispatch-This is comprised of all 4 county departments,
College Station FD brush engine and tender, and closest
municipal structural engine.
COMMAND
CONSIDERATIONS
9
Information provided in the Tactical Considerations section
can be used when making decisions about the best strategies
for suppressing a wildfire.
General Tactical Considerations for the City of College Station:
• Some neighborhoods are vulnerable to structure-to-
structure ignition because of the close proximity of homes.
• Some mobile home parks do not have hydrants.
• Most high-risk areas have combustible attachments and
will require attention before and after the head fire passes.
• A significant amount of neighborhoods have dead-end
streets and cul-de-sacs that make escape difficult during
structure triage.
• Responders should attempt to protect the ignition point
to allow the College Station Fire Marshal’s Office to
investigate.
• Temperatures can exceed 100° F in the summer.
Firefighters should stay hydrated and a firefighter rehab
group should be established to ensure responder safety.
• When in a drought situation, using water lines should be
done carefully and minimally. Pipes can break when the
ground is hard and dry. Valves on hydrants and trucks
should be opened and closed slowly.
• Remote Automated Weather Stations (RAWS), which
can observe potential wildfire conditions, are housed at
Easterwood Airport in College Station and Coulter Airfield
in Bryan.
TACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS
10
An Incident Command Post normally will be established
at the incident scene, according to the Brazos County
Interjurisdictional Emergency Management Plan, Annex N,
Direction and Control.
Options for Incident Command Posts include:
• The College Station Police Department Mobile Operations
Center. This unit is staged at the College Station Police
Department. This unit will come staffed with a driver and
a Communications Operator. Vehicle is self contained, has
mobile communications and Computer Aided Dispatch
abilities.
• The Bryan Mobile Command Post. This unit is staged at
Bryan Fire Station 1 and is a regionally available asset. This
unit will come staffed with a driver, a Communications
Operator, a Geographical Information Systems member,
and a group of Incident Management Team members from
the Brazos Valley Search and Rescue Group. Vehicle is
self contained, has mobile communications, multi radio
frequency patching capability, computer networking,
satellite communications, printing, GPS tracking devices,
and a remote mast mounted camera.
TACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS
11
TACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Peak Fire Seasons:
Primary – July through September with summer drying
Dry vegetation due to little or no rain, combined with
temperatures of 98° to 105° F on a daily basis. Hurricanes or
tropical storms close to Southeast Texas bring in dry, strong to
gusty winds from the north and northeast.
Secondary – December through March with cured grasses and
wind events
Cold front moves in from the north ushering in drier air.
Relative humidity drops below 20 percent during the afternoon
hours with winds gusting anywhere from 25 mph to 50 mph.
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12
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TACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Fuels:
The primary fuel group within and surrounding the City of
College Station is short to tall grasses mixed with stands of
hardwood. There are pockets of yaupon, juniper and oak
throughout the city.
Under normal fire weather conditions, the grass fuel group
will ignite and burn more intensely than timber litter. Under
these conditions the rate of spread normally drops dramatically
once it enters the timber, giving firefighters a better chance of
extinguishing it.
Under more extreme fire conditions the grasses will ignite,
burn intensely and spread rapidly. Hardwood stands also may
produce group torching and, in the most extreme conditions,
running crown fires. Since fires burn so intensely under these
conditions, initial attack may be less successful.
Local Thresholds – Watch Out (combinations of any of these
factors can greatly increase fire behavior):
• Winds – Greater than 15 mph *
• Relative humidity – Less than 25 percent
• Temperature over 90° F
• 100-hour fuel moisture – Less than 13 percent
* To best determine wildfire behavior, analysts calculate windspeeds 20 feet above
the forest canopy. This calculation is commonly referred to as “20-foot winds.”
13
TACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Past Experience:
When grass fuels are
cured, rapid rates
of spread can be
expected on windy
days when:
• 10-hour fuel
moistures are below 7
percent
• Energy Release
Component values
above 46 exceed
the 90th percentile
• 1,000-hour fuel moistures are less than 13 percent and below
the 10th percentile
• Live woody fuel moistures are less than:
- 90 percent in juniper
- 120 percent in southern yellow pine
• KBDI values of 648 are at the 90th percentile
Information on fuels and fire danger is monitored by Texas
A&M Forest Service and can be found at the Texas Interagency
Coordination Center (TICC) website at
http://ticc.tamu.edu/PredictiveServices/FuelsFireDanger.htm
Photo: Stuart Villanueva
14
TACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS
15
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COMMUNICATION
Communication is critical on wildfire incidents. Identifying
the channels that will allow multiple resources to communicate
will limit the amount of confusion and potentially dangerous
situations on an incident. College Station Fire Department
uses the 700 Mhz digitally trunked Brazos Valley Wide Area
Communication System (BVWACS). Additional local and
statewide narrowband VHF frequencies include:
Brazos County VFD 1 is typically used to communicate
with incoming resources. Brazos County VFD 1 is typically
used by operations on the scene during wildland incidents.
Additionally, the Mobile Command Post has capabilities
that allow resources to communicate by radio on different
frequencies.
*Channels have a full time operational patch for normal
operations
16
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WATER SOURCES
There are approximately 412 miles of pipe, 7,694 valves and 2,700
fire hydrants in the city’s distribution system.
The largest body of water in the area is Lake Bryan. Managed
by Bryan Texas Utilities, the lake has a surface area of about 829
acres and a maximum depth of 45 feet. The surface elevation is
356 feet. The lake serves as a cooling reservoir for the Dansby
Power Plant.
There are numerous small ponds and bodies of water throughout
and surrounding the City of College Station. Some of these water
sources may be available to draft from but could potentially not
have enough capacity to assist with wildfire suppression during
dry conditions.
Lake Bryan
17
WATER SOURCES
*Lake Bryan and Wichman Lake not shown on map
18
19
AIR
RESOURCES
• Easterwood Airport could serve as a helibase for air
resources on the west side of the city.
Lat/Long: N 30° 35’ 17”/ W 96° 21’ 39”
Address: 1770 George Bush Dr West
College Station, TX
Easterwood Airport
20
HELICOPTERS
Type I Helicopters (Helitankers)
• Similar to a military Chinook helicopter, a helitanker is the
most common aircraft used by Texas A&M Forest Service.
They are equipped with snorkels that allow them to draw from
shallow water sources such as stock tanks, swimming pools,
small creeks, lakes and ponds.
• Generally carries 800 to 1,500 gallons of water.
Type 2 Helicopters
• Similar in size to a military Huey helicopter, these aircraft can
be used to haul water or transport passengers.
• While some are tanked and snorkeled, most used in Texas
have 300- to 350-gallon buckets. They generally are used in
East Texas where buckets can dip out of ponds or lakes.
Type 3 Helicopters
• Similar to a civilian Jet Ranger helicopter or civilian Life
Flight helicopter, these aircraft can be used to haul water or
carry two to three passengers for reconnaissance flights.
• The aircraft can haul between 100 to 180 gallons of water, but
are primarily used in Texas for recon missions by command or
operations personnel or for mapping purposes.
21
State law provides a county judge or mayor with the authority
to order the evacuation of all or part of the population from a
stricken or threatened area within their respective jurisdictions.
Hence, the mayor of College Station may order an evacuation
of the city upon issuing a local disaster declaration.
The Incident Commander or, for large-scale evacuations,
the EOC shall assess the need for evacuation and plan the
evacuation effort. Evacuations that must be conducted because
of incidents that occur without warning may have to be
planned quickly and carried out with only those resources
that can be mobilized rapidly. The decision to recommend an
evacuation in and around the area of an incident site rests with
the Incident Commander. In general, the county judge and/or
mayor shall issue the order for large-scale evacuations.
General Evacuation Considerations:
• When necessary, a law enforcement group should be
established to develop an evacuation plan that covers traffic
control, security issues and how best to safely evacuate
residents, special needs populations and non-English speakers.
• Provide for safe evacuation of residents while also considering
access for incoming resources (structure protection).
• Shelter locations should be identified during evacuations.
• If evacuation routes are cut off, safety zones should be
considered.
• Utilize reverse 911
EVACUATION
CONSIDERATIONS
22
EVACUATION
CONSIDERATIONS
Re-Entry Considerations:
• Initiate return of evacuees, when it is safe to do so.
• Coordinate temporary housing for those who cannot return
to their homes.
• Provide traffic control for return.
• Initiate recovery activities for evacuees who have suffered
loss of or damage to their homes or businesses.
• Carry out appropriate public information activities.
• Utilization of CART Team for re-entry.
Source: Brazos County Interjurisdictional Emergency
Management Plan, Annex E, Evacuation
23
SPECIAL
POPULATIONS
Special populations to consider for smoke management and
evacuation include schools, hospitals and nursing homes.
College Station ISD Schools:
A&M Consolidated High, 1801 Harvey Mitchell Parkway South
A&M Consolidated Middle, 105 Holik Street
Alternate Education Programs, 105 Timber Avenue
Barbara Bush Parent Center, 1200 George Bush Drive South
College Hills Elementary, 1101 Williams Street
College Station Middle, 900 Rock Prairie Road
College Station High, 4002 Victoria Avenue
Community Education, 1812 Welsh Avenue
Creek View Elementary, 1001 Eagle Avenue
Cypress Grove Intermediate, 900 Graham Road South
Forest Ridge Elementary, 1950 Greens Prairie Road West
24
SPECIAL
POPULATIONS
Greens Prairie Elementary, 4315 Greens Prairie Trail
Oakwood Intermediate, 106 Holik Street
Pebble Creek Elementary, 200 Parkview Drive
Rock Prairie Elementary, 3400 Welsh Avenue
South Knoll Elementary, 1220 Boswell Street
Southwood Valley Elementary, 2700 Brothers Boulevard
Private Schools:
Aggieland Country School, 1500 Quail Run
Balcones Kindercare, 937 Balcones Drive
Brazos Valley Adventist School, 1350 Earl Rudder Fwy South
Cornerstone Christian Academy, 2475 Earl Rudder Fwy South
Saint Thomas Early Learning Center, 906 George Bush Drive
Village Drive Kindercare, 1711 Village Drive
25
SPECIAL
POPULATIONS
Higher Education:
Texas A&M University: Evacuation orders for campus are is-
sued via Code Maroon messaging system
Treatment Centers:
St. Joseph Regional Health Center, 2801 Franciscan Drive
• 303 licensed beds; 36-bed medical/surgical ICU; 14 operating
rooms
• MRI scanner, two CT scanners, dialysis unit (five machines)
• Emergency room: four trauma rooms, 16 exam rooms, five
minor care/urgent care exam rooms, six-bed observation area
• 18 isolation beds
• Emergency power for indefinite number of hours (up to 96
without refueling)
The Physicians Centre Hospital, 3131 University Drive
• 16 licensed beds; no ICU; four operating rooms and two
minor procedure rooms
• MRI scanner, CT scanner, no dialysis unit
• Unstaffed first aid suite with on-call doctor, no emergency
rooms
• Emergency power for 24 hours
Scott and White Healthcare, 700 Scott & White Drive
• 143 beds; Level III emergency department
• MRI scanner, 64-slice CT scanner
26
SPECIAL
POPULATIONS
Nursing Homes:
Arbor on the Brazos, 1103 Rock Prairie Road
Bluebonnet House, 3901 Victoria Avenue
• 39 beds, emergency power for 168-plus hours; propane
generator
The Waterford at College Station, 1103 Rock Prairie Road
• 40 beds; 18 memory care
Fortress Health and Rehab, 1105 Rock Prairie Road
• 120 beds; emergency power for 72 hours
Magnified Health and Rehab, 1115 Anderson Street
• 115 beds; emergency power for 24 to 48 hours
27
Sheltering efforts should be coordinated with the College
Station Emergency Management Coordinator and American
Red Cross.
Forty-six locations within Brazos County have been identified
as available for sheltering. Of those, 35 are designated for
general purposes, four are designated for local needs, four
are designated for special needs and three are designated for
responders.
The Emergency Management Coordinator can provide a list
of available facilities upon request.
Evacuations will require coordination with:
• EMC
• Fire Department
• Police Department
• Mayor’s Office
• City/Incident Public Information Officers
• Dispatch
• Public Works
POSSIBLE
SHELTER LOCATIONS
28
CONTINGENCY PLANNING
Contingency Planning:
Contingency plans identify high-risk neighborhoods and
areas with the potential for large wildland incidents. These
plans contain information that may be beneficial to incoming
resources, including fuel types, water sources, staging areas
and ICP locations.
A map of each high-risk neighborhood also is provided
to give users an elevated view of the area and its potential
threats.
Photo: Stuart Villanueva 29
ZONE 1
CONTINGENCY PLAN
Keep the Fire:
North of Highway 30
Southeast of Pate Road
North of Carters Creek
Additional Water Sources:
Lake Bryan
N 30° 42’ 33”
W 96° 28’ 19”
Access from Sandy Point Road
*Closest hydrant at FM 158
and Highway 30
Fuels:
Grass – High rates
of spread and flame
lengths
Juniper – High
flame lengths
Oak – High flame
lengths
Local Thresholds – Watch Out:
• Winds – Greater than 15
mph
• RH – Less than 25 percent
• Temperature – Over 90° F
• 100-hour fuel moisture –
Less than 13 percent
30
ZONE 1
CONTINGENCY PLAN
31
ZONE 1
CONTINGENCY PLAN
General tactical considerations:
• Pipelines and electrical lines
•Refined Fuels
Evacuation Trigger Points:
• Extreme fire conditions
• Fire jumps Highway 30 or Pate Rd
• Heavy smoke within neighborhood
Evacuation Considerations:
• None
32
ZONE 1
CONTINGENCY PLAN
Potential Staging and ICP Locations in Response Zone 1:
Central Baptist Church, 1991 FM 158
N 30° 38’ 24”
W 96° 16’ 40”
Post Oak Mall, 1500 Harvey Rd
N 30° 37’ 29”
W 96° 18’ 11”
33
ZONE 1
CONTINGENCY PLAN
Veterans Memorial Park, 3101 Harvey Rd
3101 Harvey Rd
N 30° 38’ 24”
W 96° 17’ 34”
34
35
ZONE 1 HIGH-RISK
AREAS
Glen Oaks Mobile
Home Park
Location: Highway 30 and
Pate Road
N 30° 38’ 36”
W 96° 15’ 29”
Responding Station: 1
Wildland Areas:
Approximately 33 acres, N,
NE, NW
Fuels: Yaupon, oak, cedar (heavy fuel loading)
Primary Threats: Direct flame contact, ember intrusion (from
N, NW, W)
Fire Behavior: Low-intensity grass fire – Extreme crown fire
Access: One point (Pate Road)
Home Construction: Vinyl with wooden combustible
attachments
Defensible Space: Less than 30 feet/Not present
Fire Occurrence: Low
Estimated Values at Risk:
• $383,210 total value
• 10 acres
36
ZONE 2
CONTINGENCY PLAN
Keep the Fire:
North of F.M. 2818
Southwest of N.
Dowling Rd
Draft Site 1:
Great Oaks Pond
30° 33’ 49” N
96° 19’ 52”W
Access from Abbate Rd and Twin
Lakes Circle
Additional Water Sources:
Fire School Pond
30° 34’ 37” N
96° 21’ 7” W
Access from Stillwater Rd at TEEX
Fire Training Field
*No fire hydrants located in high
risk areas.
Fuels:
Primarily grasses, –
High rates of spread
and moderate flame
lengths
Yaupon, juniper and
oak – High flame
lengths
Local Thresholds –
Watch Out:
• Winds – Greater than
15 mph
• RH – Less than 25
percent
• Temperature – Over
90° F
• 100-hour fuel
moisture – Less than
13 percent
Mobile homes at greatest risk
37
ZONE 2
CONTINGENCY PLAN
38
General tactical considerations:
• Pipelines and electrical lines
• Union Pacific Railroad
Evacuation Trigger Points:
• Extreme fire conditions
• Fire jumps F.M. 2818
• Heavy smoke within neighborhood
• Fire reaches Union Pacific railroad
Evacuation Considerations:
• None
ZONE 2
CONTINGENCY PLAN
39
ZONE 2
CONTINGENCY PLAN
Potential Staging and ICP Locations in Response Zone 2:
A&M Consolidated High School, 1801 Harvey Mitchell
Pkwy South
30° 35’ 31” N
96° 19’ 05” W
Brian Bachmann Community Park, 1600 Rock Prairie
Rd
30° 34’ 45” N
96° 17’ 52” W
40
41
ZONE 2 HIGH-RISK
AREAS
Woodway and
Pleasant Forest
Mobile Home
Park
Location: Mile Drive
and Texas Ave
N 30° 35’ 48”
W 96° 17’ 39”
Responding Station:
2
Wildland Areas: Approximately 20 acres, N
Fuels: Grass, juniper and oak
Primary Threats: Direct flame contact, ember intrusion,
radiant heat (from N)
Fire Behavior: Low-intensity grass fire – Group torching
Access: One point (Texas Ave)
Home Construction: Homes have vinyl siding, open at
foundation, and combustible attachments
Defensible Space: Less than 30 feet
Fire Occurrence: High
Estimated Values at Risk:
• $907,420total value
• 34 acres42
Sherwood
Heights/Robin
Drive
Location: Rock
Prairie Road and
Dowling Road
N 30° 33’ 23”
W 96° 20’ 0”
Responding Station:
2
Wildland Areas: Approximately 125acres, SW, S, SE, NE
Fuels: Yaupon, juniper and oak
Primary Threats: Direct flame contact, ember intrusion (from
SW, S, SE, NE)
Fire Behavior: Low-Moderate intensity fire – Group torching
Access: Two access point on Rock Prairie Road
Home Construction:Ignition-resistant material and vinly sided
homes with combustible attachments
Defensible Space: Less than 30 feet
Fire Occurrence: Low
Estimated Values at Risk:
• 110 homes • $8,505,110 total value • 74 acres
ZONE 2 HIGH-RISK
AREAS
43
ZONE 3
CONTINGENCY PLAN
Keep the Fire:
North of Capstone Dr
West of S. Dowling Rd
Draft Site 1:
I&GN Road Pond
30° 32’ 35” N
96° 18’ 49” W
Access from I&GN Rd
between Capstone Dr
and S. Dowling Rd
Additional Water
Sources:
Lake Placid
30° 35’ 41” N
96° 15’ 29” W
Access from Bird Pond
Rd and E. Placid Dr
Fire School Pond
30° 34’ 37” N
96° 21’ 7” W
Access from Stillwater
Rd at TEEX Fire
Training Field
*Hydrants are located
thoughout area
Fuels:
Large areas of grasslands
surround the neighborhood.
Depending on grazing methods,
grasses may range from short
to tall and can produce extreme
fire behavior.
Grass - High rates of spread and
moderate flame lengths
Local Thresholds – Watch Out:
• Winds – Greater than 15 mph
• RH – Less than 25 percent
• Temperature – Over 90° F
• 100-hour fuel moisture – Less
than 13 percent
Zone 3 fuels
44
ZONE 3
CONTINGENCY PLAN
45
ZONE 3
CONTINGENCY PLAN
Evacuation Trigger Points:
• Extreme fire behavior and high rates of spread
• Heavy smoke within neighborhood
• Heavy smoke within Wellborn
•Bluebonnet House-Assisted Living Center
Evacuation Considerations:
Villas of Rock Prairie-Assissted Living Center
Potential Staging and ICP Locations in Response Zone 3:
College Station High School, 4002 Victoria Ave
30° 33’ 34” N
96° 17’ 14” W
Cypress Grove Intermediate School, 900 Graham Rd
30° 34’ 16” N
96° 17’ 35” W
46
47
ZONE 3 HIGH-RISK
AREAS
South Dowling and I&GN
Road
Location: South Dowling and
I&GN Road
N 30° 32’ 17”
W 96° 18’ 43”
Responding Station: 3
Wildland Areas: Approximately 80 acres, S, W, E
Fuels: Grass, juniper and oak
Primary Threats: Direct flame contact, ember intrusion, radiant
heat (from S, W, E)
Fire Behavior: Low-intensity grass fire – Group torching
Access: Several points to I&GN Rd
Home Construction: Homes constructed of brick and composite
roofs with combustible attachments
Defensible Space: 30 feet
Fire Occurrence: Moderate
Estimated Values at Risk:
• 36 homes
• $12,538,680 total value
• 252 acres
48
ZONE 4
CONTINGENCY PLAN
Keep the Fire:
East and North of S. Traditions
Drive
South of Highway 60
Fuels:
Short grass with
patches of tall grass
– Low to high rates
of spread
Yaupon – Moderate
to high flame
lengths
Oak – High flame
lengths
Draft Site 1:
Fire School Pond
30° 34’ 37” N
96° 21’ 7” W
Access from Stillwater
Rd at TEEX Fire
Training Field
Additional Water
Sources:
Lake Bryan
N 30° 42’ 33”
W 96° 28’ 19”
Access from Sandy Point
Road
Brazos River
N 30° 33’ 32”
W 96° 25’ 24”
Access from Highway 60
49
Local Thresholds – Watch Out:
• Winds – Greater than 15 mph
• RH – Less than 25 percent
• Temperature – Over 90° F
• 100-hour fuel moisture – Less than
13 percent
ZONE 4
CONTINGENCY PLAN
50
ZONE 4
CONTINGENCY PLAN
General Tactical Considerations:
• Easterwood Airport is located in Zone 4 and can be used as
a Helispot
• Air traffic from to and from Easterwood Airport
• Radioactive waste building from Nuclear Science Center
Evacuation Trigger Points:
• Fire jumps Highway 60 or S. Traditions Drive
• Extreme fire conditions and high rates of spread
Evacuation Considerations:
• None
Potential Staging and ICP Locations in Response Zone 4:
TEEX Brayton Fire Training Field, 1595 Nuclear Science
Road
N 30° 33’ 32”
W 96° 25’ 24”
51
ZONE 4
CONTINGENCY PLAN
Easterwood Airport, 1770 George Bush Drive West
N 30° 35’ 17”
W 96° 21’ 39”
George Bush Library, 1000 George Bush Drive West
N 30° 35’ 17”
W 96° 21’ 39”
Reed Arena, 730 Olsen Blvd
N 30° 36’ 20”
W 96° 20’ 46”
52
53
ZONE 4 HIGH-RISK
AREAS
Highway 60 and Turkey Creek Road
Location: Highway 60 and
Turkey Creek Road
N 30° 35’ 51”
W 96° 22’ 37”
Responding Station: 4
Wildland Areas:
Approximately 140 acres,
intermix
Fuels: Grass, yaupon and oak
Primary Threats: Direct flame contact, ember intrusion, radiant
heat
Fire Behavior: Low-intensity grass fire – Group torching
Access: Two points to Highway 60 and S. Traditions Drive
Home Construction: Homes are constructed of wood and vinyl
with combustible attachments
Defensible Space: Less than 30 feet
Fire Occurrence: Moderate
Estimated Values at Risk:
• 23 homes
• $4,622,380 total value
• 108 acres
54
ZONE 5
CONTINGENCY PLAN
Keep the Fire:
Southeast of Royder
Rd
East of Bird Pond Rd
Draft Site 1:
Lake Placid
30° 35’ 41” N
96° 15’ 29” W
Access E. Placid Dr and Bird Pond Rd
Draft Site 2:
Carter Lake
30° 35’ 33” N
96° 14’ 58” W
Access from Carter Lake Dr
Draft Site 3:
Nantucket Pond
30° 32’ 35” N
96° 14’ 47” W
Access at 1500 Nantucket Dr
Additional Water Sources:
Frierson Lake
30° 31” 11’ N
96° 16’ 17” W
Between Woodlake Dr and Calumet Trail
Indian Lakes
30° 30’ 51” N
96° 14’ 59” W
Access from Indian Lakes Dr and Aparaho Dr
Fuels:
Primarily grass fields
intermixed with areas
that have oak, yaupon
and floodplain forest
Grass - High rates of
spread and moderate
flame lengths
Juniper – High flame
lengths
Yaupon – Moderate
flame lengths
Floodplain Forest–
High flame lengths
(drought conditions)
Local Thresholds – Watch Out:
• Winds – Greater than 15 mph
• RH – Less than 25 percent
• Temperature – Over 90° F
• 100-hour fuel moisture – Less than 13 percent
55
ZONE 5
CONTINGENCY PLAN
56
ZONE 5
CONTINGENCY PLAN
Evacuation Trigger Points:
• Extreme fire behavior
• High rates of spread
• Group torching and crown runs
• Fire jumps Highway 6, Royder Rd, or Carters Creek
Evacuation Considerations:
• Narrow roads
Potential Staging and ICP Locations in Response Zone 5:
Pebble Creek Country Club, 4500 Pebble Creek Pkwy
N 30° 34’ 01”
W 96° 14’ 09”
Pebble Creek Elementary, 200 Parkview Dr
N 30° 33’ 31”
W 96° 14’ 56”
57
ZONE 5
CONTINGENCY PLAN
Texas World Speedway, 17529 State Highway 6 South
N 30° 33’ 31”
W 96° 14’ 56”
Texas A&M Forest Service, 200 Technology Way
N 30° 33’ 06”
W 96° 14’ 34w”
58
59
ZONE 5 EXTREME-RISK
AREAS
Wellborn Oaks
Location: Greens Prairie
Road and Royal Oak
Drive
N 30° 32’ 7”
W 96° 17’ 24”
Responding Station: 5
Wildland Areas:
Approximately 91 acres, N, NE
Fuels: Grass, yaupon, and oak
Primary Threats: Direct flame contact, ember intrusion
Fire Behavior: Low-intensity grass fire – Extreme crown fire
Access: One point (Greens Prairie Road)
Home Construction: Mix of Brick and Vinly with combustible
attachments
Defensible Space: Less than 30 feet/Not Present
Fire Occurrence: Low
No Fire Hydrants Present
Estimated Values at Risk:
• 133 homes
• $34,467,640 total value
• 377 acres
60
ZONE 5 HIGH-RISK
AREAS
Lake Placid
Location: Bird Pond Road and East Placid Drive
N 30° 35’ 36”
W 96° 15’ 24”
Responding Station: 5
Wildland Areas: Approximately 100 acres, NW, W
Fuels: Grass, yaupon, oak, flood plain forest
Primary Threats: Direct flame contact, ember intrusion, radiant
heat (from N and E)
Fire Behavior: Low-intensity grass fire – Group torching
Access: One access point to from Bird Pond Road
Home Construction: Brick with compisite roofs
Defensible Space: Less than 30 feet
Fire Occurrence: Low
Estimated Values at Risk:
• 15 homes
• $3,135,300 total value
• 50 acres
61
ZONE 5 HIGH-RISK
AREAS
Sweetwater Dr-Woodlake Dr
Location: Sweetwater Dr-Woodlake Dr off Green Prairie Rd
N 30° 31’ 58”
W 96° 16’ 36”
Responding Station: 5
Wildland Areas: Approximately 580 acres, NE, E, SE, S, S, SW
Fuels: Grass, yaupon, cedar and oak
Primary Threats: Direct flame contact, ember intrusion, radiant
heat (from NE, E, SE, S, S, SW)
Fire Behavior: Low-intensity grass fire – Group torching
Access: One point each to
Green Prairie Road
Home Construction: Brick and
Stucco with Composite roofs or
vinly siding with combustible
attachments
Defensible Space: Less than feet
Fire Occurrence: Moderate
Estimated Values at Risk:
•168 homes
• $53,050,000 total value
• 470 acres
62
ZONE 5 HIGH-RISK
AREAS
Whites Creek Lane
Location: Greens Prairie
Road and Whites Creek
Lane
N 30° 32’ 57”
W 96° 15’ 58”
Responding Station: 5
Wildland Areas:
Approximately 308 acres, intermix
Fuels: Grass, yaupon, and oak
Primary Threats: Direct flame contact, ember intrusion
Fire Behavior: Low-intensity grass fire – Extreme crown fire
Access: One point to Greens Prairie Road
Home Construction: Ignition-resistant with combustible
attachments
Defensible Space: 30 feet
Fire Occurrence: Low
Estimated Values at Risk:
• 12 homes
• $2,297.770 total value
• 21 acres
63
ZONE 6 INFORMATION
Response Zone 6 does not have any risk areas due
most of the area being urban. Station 6 could be used
as a staging location or incident command post.
Fire Station 6 is located at 610 University Drive East.
64
REGIONAL FIRE RISK
LEVELS
Fire managers at the regional and state level use Fire Risk
Levels as a planning and staffing tool. The state is divided into
18 fire risk regions. A regional fire risk level is determined
for each region. One preparedness level is determined for the
state.
Fire Risk Level I
• Low to moderate daily fire danger when critical fire
weather is present
• Low to moderate fire occurrence
• Drought Monitor lists no drought levels in region
• Fuel dryness is at normal moisture (blue level)
• Herbaceous fuel moistures are above 150 percent and
grasses are green
• 1,000-hour dead fuel moisture is above the 50th
percentile
• ERC percentile is below the 50th percentile
Fire Risk Level II
• Moderate to high daily fire danger when critical fire
weather is present
• Moderate to active fire occurrence
• Drought Monitor defines D1 (moderate) drought or
abnormally dry areas within region
• Fuel dryness is at normal moisture (blue level) or dry
(yellow level)
65
REGIONAL FIRE RISK
LEVELS
• Herbaceous fuel moistures are cured or transitioning from
green to cured
• 1,000-hour dead fuel moisture is between the 26th and
50th percentile (blue)
• ERC percentile is between the 50th and 75th percentile
(blue)
Fire Risk Level III
• High to very high daily fire danger when critical fire
weather is present
• Active fire occurrence
• Drought Monitor defines D1 or D2 (moderate to severe)
drought in region
• Fuel dryness is at dry (yellow) or critically dry (orange)
level
• Herbaceous fuels are cured
• 1,000-hour dead fuel moisture is between the 10th and
25th percentile (yellow)
• ERC percentile is between the 75th and 90th percentile
(yellow)
Fire Risk Level IV
• Very high to extreme daily fire danger when critical fire
weather is present
• Very active fire occurrence
• Drought Monitor defines D2 or D3 (severe to extreme)
66
REGIONAL FIRE RISK
LEVELS
drought in region
• Fuel dryness is at critically dry (orange) or extreme (red)
level
• Herbaceous fuels are cured
• 1,000-hour dead fuel moisture is between the 3rd and 10th
percentile
• ERC percentile is between the 90th and 97th percentile
(orange and red)
Fire Risk Level V
• Very high to extreme daily fire danger when critical fire
weather is present
• Very active to extreme fire occurrence
• Drought Monitor defines D3 or D4 (extreme to
exceptional) drought in region
• Fuel dryness is at critically dry (orange) or extreme (red)
level
• Herbaceous fuels are cured
• 1,000-hour dead fuel moisture is at or below the 97th
percentile (red)
Source: Texas Fire Response Handbook
67
Listed below are the criteria for determining State
Preparedness Levels (PL). The PL is established by Texas
A&M Forest Service’s Planning and Preparedness Section in
conjunction with the Risk Assessment Section.
Preparedness Level 1
• Fire activity is within the capabilities of local fire
departments with minimal support from TFS.
• TFS fire expenditures are within budgeted funds.
• Consider when no more than two regions are in a Risk Level
(RL) II.
• Supervisors should expect minimal impact on daily
activities.
Preparedness Level 2
• Freeze-cured fuels are present in winter months.
• Fire activity may begin to exceed local capabilities.
• Mobilization of additional fire departments and TFS
resources may be required.
• External fire resources may be required.
• TFS fire expenditures may begin to exceed budgeted funds.
• Consider when one or more regions are in a RL III or
multiple regions are in RL II.
• Supervisors should be aware of regional risk levels when
planning daily activities.
STATE PREPAREDNESS
LEVELS
68
Preparedness Level 3
• Fire activity may exceed the capabilities of local fire
departments and TFS.
• External fire resources may be required.
• TFS fire expenditures begin to exceed budgeted funds.
• Consider when at least one region is in RL IV or a
significant number of regions are in RL III.
• Supervisors will consider regional risk levels when planning
daily activities.
Preparedness Level 4
• Fire activity may exceed the capabilities of state agency
resources.
• External fire resources are required.
• TFS fire expenditures exceed budgeted funds.
• Consider when a significant number of regions are in RL IV
or higher.
• Supervisors will consider regional risk levels when planning
daily activities.
STATE PREPAREDNESS
LEVELS
69
Preparedness Level 5
• Fire activity exceeds the capabilities of state agency resources.
• The scope of fire operations typically requires multiple Zone
Commands.
• External resources are required.
• TFS fire expenditures exceed budgeted funds.
• Consider when a significant number of regions are in RL IV
or higher.
• Supervisors will consider regional risk levels when planning
daily activities.
The State Preparedness Level may be elevated due to response to
all-hazard incidents.
Source: Texas Fire Response Handbook
STATE PREPAREDNESS
LEVELS
70
The State of Texas is composed of 254 counties with
approximately 98 percent privately-owned land. The eastern
one-seventh of the state is heavily forested with loblolly pine
plantations, while the remainder of the state has a wide range
of fuel models from coastal grasses to thick oak and mesquite
stands to sparsely vegetated areas in parts of the west.
Fire seasons in Texas can occur any time of the year. A fall and
winter fire season typically starts in grass fuels after the first
hard freeze. In spring and early summer, fires mostly occur in
West Texas, and the summer fire season occurs during periods
of drought, strong winds and lower relative humidity.
The majority of wildfires in Texas are handled by the 1,900
fire departments throughout the state, 1,500 of which are
volunteer departments. However, by Texas State statute, Texas
A&M Forest Service has been given the authority to “... take
any actions deemed necessary to prevent and extinguish
forest fires.” Therefore, direct communication between local
government and TFS is authorized. Additionally, all TFS
employees and their representatives have the authority to
enter onto privately-owned land whenever it is necessary to
investigate or suppress forest and grass fires when they are
known to be burning uncontrolled.
Source: Texas Fire Response Handbook
TEXAS WILDFIRE
RESPONSE PROCESS
71
For immediate resource requests on a Type 5, 4 or 3 incident,
the on-duty College Station Fire Department Battalion Chief
or Incident Commander should contact the College Station
Emergency Managment Coordinator.
The College Station EMC will contact the appropriate
personnel at Brazos County for notification of additional
requests and the information will be passed on to the Texas
Division of Emergency Management District Coordinator and
the Disaster District Chairman as needed.
Emergency responders assigned to an incident in the City of
College Station should consult with the Incident Commander
about the preferred process for requesting resources, as it may
vary depending on the complexity of the incident.
The Incident Commander is responsible for managing
emergency resources at the incident site and may begin staffing
Incident Management Team positions as the incident grows in
scope or complexity.
The Incident Command System (ICS) structure includes
a Logistics Section which is responsible for obtaining and
maintaining personnel, facilities, equipment and supplies
committed to the emergency operation.
REQUESTING
RESOURCES
72
REQUESTING
RESOURCES
If the EOC is activated, the Incident Commander will continue
to manage emergency resources committed at the incident site.
The Resource Manager in the EOC will monitor the state of
all resources, manage uncommitted resources and coordinate
with the Incident Commander to determine requirements for
additional resources at the incident site.
Source: Brazos County Interjurisdictional Emergency
Management Plan, Annex M, Resource Management
73
Incident Complexity:
A fire complexity analysis should be conducted as part of
initial size-up and subsequent size-ups to ensure that the
appropriate level of management is applied to an incident and
to determine the need for transitioning into extended attack.
There are five levels of complexity that have been defined. Type
1 is the most complex and requires the highest level of skill
and management. Type 5 is the least complex incident. Type 3
complexity requires a transition to extended attack.
The complexity analysis of an incident is not a completely
objective process. There are many factors to consider that can
influence the determination of incident complexity.
Some of the major factors that should be considered in an
incident complexity analysis include the number and type
of resources engaged or needed for suppression operations,
values at risk, threat to life and property, jurisdictional
boundaries, fuel types, fire behavior, significant fire potential
and firefighter safety.
Type 5 Complexity:
• Generally a small fire or a larger fire with a high percentage
of inactive perimeter.
• Two to seven firefighters with one to two units and the local
TRANSITIONING INTO
EXTENDED ATTACK
74
fire department are an adequate number of resources to contain
fire.
• Fire presents low resistance to control. Initial attack will be
successful.
• Fire behavior and fire intensities allow for direct attack.
Type 4 Complexity:
• Fire is large enough to require multiple units and a designated
supervisor with no collateral responsibilities.
• Local resources include two to five units and one to five fire
departments.
• A reconnaissance aircraft and/or one to two tactical aircraft
may be present.
• Fire behavior and intensities can cause containment problems
near the head fire with slopovers and short-range spotting.
• Direct tactics are generally used but indirect tactics may
sometimes be used to cross the head fire due to high fire
intensities or high rate of spread.
• Fuel dryness levels may require extended mop-up after
containment.
• Fire behavior drops off significantly with sunset and increased
moisture recovery.
• Fires are contained in one burning period.
TRANSITIONING INTO
EXTENDED ATTACK
75
Type 3 Complexity Transition Indicators:
The more indicators that are present increase the likelihood
that you have transitioned to a Type 3 fire.
• Attempt(s) to contain head have failed.
• Indirect tactics are being used.
• Significant fire potential rating is high or very high.
• Peak burning period has yet to occur.
• Cannot see the entire fire.
• Tactical aircraft are engaged or ordered.
• Evacuations have occurred or are recommended.
• Number of resources (agency, fire departments, law
enforcement) exceed span of control.
• Difficult to manage/monitor all communications.
• Fuels and/or terrain limit access.
Regardless of size or complexity, if any of the following are
present an ICT3 must be ordered:
• Entrapment
• Shelter deployment
• Burnover
• Fatality or serious injury
Type 3 Complexity:
• Cannot see the entire fire or cannot gain access to the entire
fire.
• Resources may include 20 to 50 responders from a variety of
TRANSITIONING INTO
EXTENDED ATTACK
76
organizations including wildland agencies, fire departments,
law enforcement and relief agencies.
• Regional
resources may
be dispatched
to fill some of
the command
and general
staff positions,
usually at the
division/group
or unit leader
level.
• Tactical
aircraft are
dispatched when available.
• Fire will be an extended attack fire.
• Containment in a single burning period will not be possible
due to fuel types, dry to critically dry fuel conditions, active fire
behavior or limited access to fire.
• Indirect tactics and structure protection are part of
containment strategies.
• Public safety is at risk prompting evacuations or road closures.
Source: Texas A&M Forest Service State Fire Operations Plan
TRANSITIONING INTO
EXTENDED ATTACK
77
A Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) offers federal
financial assistance to states and local government for the
mitigation, management and control of fires on public or
private land. If approved, an FMAG can reimburse 75 percent
of eligible expenses on a specific incident or wildfire.
To be eligible for an FMAG, an incident has to constitute the
threat of a major disaster.
To begin the FMAG application process, the governor or
the governor’s authorized representative submits to FEMA a
request for an FMAG program declaration. The application
must be submitted while the fire is burning uncontrolled and
threatening such destruction as would constitute a major
disaster.
When submitting a declaration request, the governor should
provide factual data and professional estimates as available to
support the request. The state’s verbal request must be followed
up with official, completed forms.
FMAG
PROCESS
78
FMAG
PROCESS
Local officials are responsible for providing accurate and
sufficient data to the state documenting costs incurred in
response to an FMAG Declaration and fire suppression
efforts.
Information required:
• Size of fire(s) in acres or square miles
• Name, location and population of area (or areas) threatened
• Number of primary and secondary residences and
businesses threatened
• Distance of fire to nearest neighborhoods
• Number of persons evacuated to date, if applicable
• Current and predicted (24-hour) weather conditions
• Degree to which state and local resources are committed to
this fire and other fires in federal, state or local jurisdictions
To further support a declaration request, the state may
append additional documentation including:
• Fire severity maps
• Geographic, topographical or land assessment maps
• Incident status summary report (ICS-209)
Source: Federal Emergency Management Agency FMAG
Program Guide
79
Advantages:
• Minimal area is burned; no additional area is intentionally
burned.
• Safest place to work; firefighters can usually escape into the
burned area.
• The uncertainties of firing operations can be reduced/
eliminated.
Disadvantages:
• Firefighters can be hampered by heat, smoke and flames.
• Control lines can be very long and irregular.
• Burning material can easily spread across mid-slope lines.
• May not be able to use natural or existing barriers.
• More mop-up and patrol is usually required.
Source: Incident Response Pocket Guide, a publication of the
National Wildfire Coordinating Group
ATTACK STRATEGIES:
DIRECT ATTACK
80
Advantages:
• Control lines can be located using favorable topography.
• Natural or existing barriers can be used.
• Firefighters may not have to work in smoke and heat.
• Control lines can be constructed in lighter fuels.
• There may be less danger of slopovers.
Disadvantages:
• More area will be burned.
• Must be able to trade time and space for line to be
constructed and fired.
• Firefighters may be in more danger because they are distant
from the fire and have unburned fuels between them and the
fire.
• There may be some dangers related to firing operations.
• Firing operations may leave unburned islands of fuel.
• May not be able to use control line already built.
ATTACK STRATEGIES:
INDIRECT ATTACK
81
A safety zone is an area where a firefighter can survive without
a fire shelter. Considerations for effective safety zones:
• Take advantage of heat barriers such as lee side of ridges,
large rocks or solid structures.
• When possible, burn out safety zones prior to arrival of fire
front.
• Avoid locations upslope or downwind from the fire;
chimneys, saddles or narrow canyons; and steep uphill escape
routes.
• Not intended for structure protection.
Separation distance between the firefighter and the flames
should be at least four times the maximum continuous flame
height. Distance separation is the radius from the center of the
safety zone to the nearest fuels.
Source: Incident Response Pocket Guide, a publication of the
National Wildfire Coordinating Group
SAFETY ZONES
82
Incident Command System principles dictate that an Incident
Action Plan, to include a Medical Plan (ICS Form 206), be
prepared for wildfires and other incidents.
PHI Air Medic, located at St. Joseph Regional Health Center, 2801
Franciscan, transports patients by helicopter.
The closest burn units are:
• Shriners Hospitals for Children Pediatric Burn Center in
Galveston
• University of Texas Medical Branch Blocker Adult Burn Center
in Galveston
College Station Fire Department responds to medical calls. Fire
stations are located at the following addresses:
• Fire Station No. 1, 304 Holleman Drive East
• Fire Station No. 2, 2100 Rio Grande
• Fire Station No. 3, 1900 Barron Road
• Fire Station No. 4, 1550 George Bush West
• Fire Station No. 5, 1601 William D. Fitch Parkway
• Fire Station No. 6, 610 University Drive East
Treatment centers in the area include:
• St. Joseph Regional Health Center, 2801 Franciscan, Bryan
• College Station Medical Center, 1604 Rock Prairie Road, College
Station
• Scott & White Healthcare, Highway 6 and Rock Prairie Road,
College Station
MEDICAL PLAN
83
Rapid mitigation measures
Remove small combustibles immediately next to
structure.
Close windows and doors, including garage (leave
unlocked).
Clean area around fuel tank and shut off tank.
Charge garden hoses.
Apply CAF, foam or gel retardants if available.
Equipment and water use
Mark entrance to indicate a staffed location if it is not
obvious.
Charge hose lines.
Long hose lays are not recommended.
Keep 100 gallons of water in reserve.
Identify a backup water source.
STRUCTURE PROTECTION
CHECKLIST
84
Equipment and water use (continued)
Identify power lines for aerial resources.
Never rely on water for firefighter safety.
Patrol following the fire front
Most structures do not burn until after the fire front has
passed.
Move to closest safety zone and let fire front go through.
Return as soon as conditions allow safe access to
structures.
Secondary ignition is usually due to residual spot fires or
creeping ground fire.
Take suppression actions within your capability.
Call for assistance if needed.
STRUCTURE PROTECTION
CHECKLIST
Source: Incident Response Pocket Guide, a publication of the
National Wildfire Coordinating Group
85
AAR – After Action Review
AHIMT – All-Hazard Incident Management Team
BI – Burning Index
BLM – Bureau of Land Management
CAF – Compressed Air Foam
CEOC - Community Emergency Operations Center
CTR – Crew Time Report
DHS – Department of Homeland Security
DIVS – Division Supervisor
EAS – Emergency Alert System
EMT – Emergency Medical Technician
EOC – Emergency Operations Center
ERC – Energy Release Component
FAA – Federal Aviation Administration
FD – Fire Department
FEMA – Federal Emergency Management Agency
FMAG – Fire Management Assistance Grant
FMO – Fire Management Officer
GPS – Global Positioning System
HAZMAT – Hazardous Material
IA – Initial Attack
IC – Incident Commander
ICP – Incident Command Post
ICS – Incident Command System
IIMT – Interagency Incident Management Team
JIC – Joint Information Center
ACRONYMS
86
JIS – Joint Information System
KBDI – Keetch-Byram Drought Index
LAT – Large Air Tanker
LCES – Lookout, Communication, Escape Routes, Safety Zones
LE – Law Enforcement
LEO – Law Enforcement Officer
LODD – Line of Duty Death
MAFFS – Modular Airborne Firefighting System
MCP - Mobile Command Post
MRE – Meal Ready to Eat
NFPA – National Fire Protection Association
NICC – National Interagency Coordination Center
NIFC – National Interagency Fire Center
NIMO – National Incident Management Organization
NIMS – National Incident Management System
PAO – Public Affairs Officer
PD – Position Description
PIO – Public Information Officer
PL – Preparedness Level
PPE – Personal Protective Equipment
RAWS – Remote Automated Weather System
RFC – Regional Fire Coordinator
RFD – Rural Fire District
RH – Relative Humidity
RL – Risk Level
ROS – Rate of Spread
ACRONYMS
87
SACC – Southern Area Coordination Center
SAIT – Safety Accident Investigation Team
SCBA – Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus
SEAT – Single-Engine Air Tanker
SITREP – Situation Report
SOP – Standard Operating Procedure
TAC – Tactical Channels
TFLD – Task Force Leader
TFR – Temporary Flight Restrictions
TFS – Texas A&M Forest Service
UAC – Unified Area Command
UC – Unified Command
USDA – United States Department of Agriculture
USFS – United States Forest Service
UTF – Unable to Fill
VFD – Volunteer Fire Department
VFR – Visual Flight Rules
WCT – Work Capacity Test
WUI – Wildland Urban Interface
ACRONYMS
88
The following terms are from the Incident Command System
(ICS) National Training Curriculum documentation.
AGENCY REPRESENTATIVE: An individual assigned to an
incident from an assisting or cooperating agency who has been
delegated authority to make decisions on matters affecting that
agency’s participation at the incident. Agency Representatives
report to the Incident Liaison Officer.
AREA COMMAND: An organization established to: 1) oversee
the management of multiple incidents that are each being
handled by an Incident Command System organization; or 2)
to oversee the management of a very large incident that has
multiple Incident Management Teams assigned to it. Area
Command has the responsibility to set overall strategy and
priorities, allocate critical resources based on priorities, ensure
that incidents are properly managed and ensure that objectives
are met and strategies followed.
BRANCH: The organizational level having functional or
geographic responsibility for major parts of incident operations.
The Branch level is organizationally between Section and
Division/Group in the Operations Section, and between
Section and Units in the Logistics Section. Branches are
identified by the use of Roman numerals or by functional name
(e.g., medical, security, etc.).
GLOSSARY
89
GLOSSARY
CACHE: A pre-determined complement of tools, equipment
and/or supplies stored in a designated location, available for
incident use.
CHECK-IN: The process whereby resources first report to an
incident. Check-in locations include: Incident Command
Post (Resources Unit), Incident Base, Camps, Staging Areas,
Helibases, Helispots and Division Supervisors (for direct line
assignments).
CHAIN OF COMMAND: A series of management positions in
order of authority.
COMMAND: The act of directing and/or controlling resources
by virtue of explicit legal, agency or delegated authority. May
also refer to the Incident Commander.
COMMAND STAFF: The Command Staff consists of the
Information Officer, Safety Officer and Liaison Officer. They
report directly to the Incident Commander. They may have an
assistant or assistants, as needed.
COMPLEX: Two or more individual incidents located in the
same general area which are assigned to a single Incident
Commander or to Unified Command.
90
COORDINATION CENTER: Term used to describe any facility
that is used for the coordination of agency or jurisdictional
resources in support of one or more incidents.
DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY: A statement provided to the
Incident Commander by the Agency Executive delegating
authority and assigning responsibility. The Delegation of
Authority can include objectives, priorities, expectations,
constraints and other considerations or guidelines as needed.
Many agencies require written Delegation of Authority be
given to Incident Commanders prior to their assuming
command on larger incidents.
DEMOBILIZATION UNIT: Functional unit within the Planning
Section responsible for assuring orderly, safe and efficient
demobilization of incident resources.
DIRECTOR: The ICS title for individuals responsible for
supervision of a Branch.
DISPATCH: The implementation of a command decision to
move a resource or resources from one place to another.
DIVISION: Divisions are used to divide an incident into
geographical areas of operation. A Division is located within
the ICS organization between the Branch and the Task Force/
Strike Team. Divisions are identified by alphabetic characters
GLOSSARY
91
GLOSSARY
for horizontal applications and, often, by floor numbers when
used in buildings.
DOCUMENTATION UNIT: Functional unit within the
Planning Section responsible for collecting, recording and
safeguarding all documents relevant to the incident.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR/DIRECTOR:
The individual within each political subdivision that has
coordination responsibility for jurisdictional emergency
management.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN (EMT): A health-care
specialist with particular skills and knowledge in pre-hospital
emergency medicine.
EVENT: A planned, non-emergency activity. ICS can be used
as the management system for a wide range of events, e.g.,
parades, concerts or sporting events.
GENERAL STAFF: The group of incident management
personnel reporting to the Incident Commander. They may
each have a deputy, as needed. The General Staff consists of:
• Operations Section Chief
• Planning Section Chief
• Logistics Section Chief
• Finance/Administration Section Chief
92
GLOSSARY
GROUP: Groups are established to divide the incident
into functional areas of operation. Groups are composed
of resources assembled to perform a special function not
necessarily within a single geographic division. Groups are
located between Branches (when activated) and Resources in
the Operations Section.
HELIBASE: The main location for parking, fueling,
maintenance and loading of helicopters operating in support
of an incident. It is usually located at or near the incident base.
HELISPOT: Any designated location where a helicopter can
safely take off and land. Some helispots may be used for
loading of supplies, equipment or personnel.
INCIDENT: An occurrence either human caused or by
natural phenomena that requires action by emergency service
personnel to prevent or minimize loss of life or damage to
property and/or natural resources.
INCIDENT ACTION PLAN: Contains objectives reflecting
the overall incident strategy and specific tactical actions and
supporting information for the next operational period. The
Plan may be oral or written. When written, the Plan may have
a number of forms as attachments (e.g., traffic plan, safety
plan, communications plan, map, etc.).
93
GLOSSARY
INCIDENT COMMANDER: The individual responsible for the
management of all incident operations at the incident site.
INCIDENT COMMAND POST (ICP): The location at which the
primary command functions are executed. The ICP may be
collocated with the incident base or other incident facilities.
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM (ICS): A standardized on-scene
emergency management concept specifically designed to allow
its user(s) to adopt an integrated organizational structure equal
to the complexity and demands of single or multiple incidents,
without being hindered by jurisdictional boundaries.
INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM: The Incident Commander
and appropriate Command and General Staff personnel
assigned to an incident.
INFORMATION OFFICER: A member of the Command Staff
responsible for interfacing with the public and media or with
other agencies requiring information directly from the incident.
There is only one Information Officer per incident. The
Information Officer may have assistants.
LIAISON OFFICER: A member of the Command Staff
responsible for coordinating with representatives from
cooperating and assisting agencies.
94
GLOSSARY
LOGISTICS SECTION: The Section responsible for providing
facilities, services and materials for the incident.
MOBILIZATION: The process and procedures used by all
organizations federal, state and local for activating, assembling
and transporting all resources that have been requested to
respond to or support an incident.
MULTI-AGENCY COORDINATION (MAC): A generalized term
which describes the functions and activities of representatives
of involved agencies and/or jurisdictions who come together to
make decisions regarding the prioritizing of incidents and the
sharing and use of critical resources. The MAC organization is
not a part of the on-scene ICS and is not involved in developing
incident strategy or tactics.
MUTUAL AID AGREEMENT: Written agreement between
agencies and/or jurisdictions in which they agree to assist one
another upon request, by furnishing personnel and equipment.
NATIONAL INTERAGENCY INCIDENT MANAGEMENT
SYSTEM (NIIMS): An NWCG-developed program consisting of
five major subsystems which collectively provide a total systems
approach to all-risk incident management.
95
GLOSSARY
NATIONAL WILDFIRE COORDINATING GROUP (NWCG):
A group formed under the direction of the Secretaries of the
Interior and Agriculture to improve the coordination and
effectiveness of wildland fire activities, and provide a forum to
discuss, recommend appropriate action or resolve issues and
problems of substantive nature.
OPERATIONAL PERIOD: The period of time scheduled for
execution of a given set of operation actions as specified in the
Incident Action Plan. Operational Periods can be of various
lengths, although usually not over 24 hours.
OPERATIONS SECTION: The Section responsible for all tactical
operations at the incident. Includes Branches, Divisions and/
or Groups, Task Forces, Strike Teams, Single Resources and
Staging Areas.
OVERHEAD PERSONNEL: Personnel who are assigned to
supervisory positions which include Incident Commander,
Command Staff, General Staff, Directors, Supervisors and Unit
Leaders.
RESOURCES: Personnel and equipment available, or
potentially available, for assignment to incidents. Resources
are described by kind and type, e.g., ground, water, air, etc.
96
GLOSSARY
SECTION: That organization level with responsibility for
a major functional area of the incident, e.g., Operations,
Planning, Logistics, Finance/Administration. The Section is
organizationally between Branch and Incident Commander.
SINGLE RESOURCE: An individual, a piece of equipment and its
personnel complement, or a crew or team of individuals with an
identified work supervisor that can be used on an incident.
SPAN OF CONTROL: The supervisory ratio of from three-
to-seven individuals, with five-to-one being established as
optimum.
STAGING AREA: Staging Areas are locations set up at an
incident where resources can be placed while awaiting a tactical
assignment. Staging Areas are managed by the Operations
Section.
STRIKE TEAM: Specified combinations of the same kind and
type of resources, with common communications and a leader.
TACTICAL DIRECTION: Direction given by the Operations
Section Chief which includes the tactics appropriate for the
selected strategy, the selection and assignment of resources,
tactics implementation and performance monitoring for each
operational period.
97
GLOSSARY
TASK FORCE: A combination of single resources assembled for
a particular tactical need, with common communications and
a leader.
TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS (TFR): Temporary
airspace restrictions for non-emergency aircraft in the incident
area. TFRs are established by the FAA to ensure aircraft safety,
and are normally limited to a five-nautical-mile radius and
2,000 feet in altitude.
TWENTY-FOOT WINDS: Sustained winds averaged over a
10-minute period and measured 20 feet above the average
height of nearby vegetation.
TYPE: Refers to resource capability. A Type 1 resource provides
a greater overall capability due to power, size, capacity, etc.,
than would be found in a Type 2 resource. Resource typing
provides managers with additional information in selecting the
best resource for the task.
UNIFIED COMMAND: In ICS, Unified Command is a unified
team effort which allows all agencies with responsibility for
the incident, either geographical or functional, to manage an
incident by establishing a common set of incident objectives
and strategies.
98
Incident Command System forms may be tailored to meet an
agency’s needs. More importantly, even though the format is
flexible, the form number and purpose of the specific type of
form must remain intact to maintain consistency and facilitate
immediate identification and interoperability, and for ease of
use.
The following provides brief descriptions of selected ICS forms.
This list is not all-inclusive. All ICS forms can be downloaded
at http://www.nwcg.gov/pms/forms/icsforms.htm
Most often used by the initial Incident Commander, this
four-section document (often produced as four pages) allows
for the capture of vital incident information prior to the
implementation of the formal planning process. ICS 201 allows
for a concise and complete transition of command briefing to
an incoming new IC. This form is designed to be transferred
easily to the members of the Command and General Staff as
they arrive and begin work. It is not included as a part of the
formal written Incident Action Plan.
ICS FORMS
ICS 201 - Incident Briefing
99
ICS 202 serves as the first page of a written IAP. It includes
incident information, a listing of the IC’s objectives for the
operational period, pertinent weather information and a general
safety message. Signature blocks are provided.
ICS 203 is typically the second page of the IAP. It provides a full
accounting of incident management and supervisory staff for
that operational period.
ICS 204 is included in multiples, based on the organizational
structure of the Operations Section for the operational period.
Each Division/Group will have its own page, listing the
Supervisor for the Division/Group (including Branch Director
if assigned) and the specific assigned resources with leader
name and number of personnel assigned to each resource.
This document then describes in detail the specific actions
the Division or Group will be taking in support of the overall
incident objectives.
ICS FORMS
ICS 202 - Incident Objectives
ICS 203 - Organization Assignment List
ICS 204 - Assignment List
100
ICS FORMS
Any special instructions will be included as well as the
elements of the Incident Radio Communications Plan (ICS
205) that apply to that Division or Group.
ICS 205 is used to provide information on all radio frequency
assignments down to the Division/Group level.
ICS 206 presents the incident’s Medical Plan to care for
responder medical emergencies.
ICS 209 collects basic incident decision support information
and is the primary mechanism for reporting this situational
information to incident coordination and support
organizations and the Agency Administration/Executives.
ICS 211 documents the check-in process. Check-in recorders
report check-in information to the Resources Unit.
ICS 205 - Incident Radio Communications Plan
ICS 206 - Medical Plan
ICS 209 - Incident Status Summary
ICS 211 - Incident Check-In List
101
ICS FORMS
ICS 215 is used in the incident Planning Meeting to develop
tactical assignments and resources needed to achieve incident
objectives and strategies.
ICS 215A communicates to the Operations and Planning
Section Chiefs the safety and health issues identified by the
Safety Officer. It also identifies mitigation measures to address
the identified safety issues.
ICS 215 - Operational Planning Worksheet
ICS 215A - Safety and Risk Analysis
102
Western Pineywoods
Predictive Services Area
103
Western Pineywoods
Predictive Services Area
104
Western Pineywoods
Predictive Services Area
105
Western Pineywoods
Predictive Services Area
106
Western Pineywoods
Predictive Services Area
107
Western Pineywoods
Predictive Services Area
108
Western Pineywoods
Predictive Services Area
109
Western Pineywoods
Predictive Services Area
110
District Coordinator, Texas Department of Public Safety,
Division of Emergency Management
979-412-0003
Texas A&M Forest Service Contact Info
Regional Fire Coordinator
200 Technology Way, Suite 1162
College Station, TX 77845-3424
979-458-6507
Assistant Chief Regional Fire Coordinator
700 South Reynolds Street
La Grange, Texas 78945
979-968-5555
LaGrange Dispatch
979-968-5555
texaswildfirerisk.com
ticc.tamu.edu
texasforestservice.tamu.edu
texasfirewise.com
CONTACT
LIST
111
112
Standard Firefighting Orders
1. Keep informed on fire weather conditions and forecasts.
2. Know what your fire is doing at all times.
3. Base all actions on current and expected behavior of the fire.
4. Identify escape routes and safety zones, and make them known.
5. Post lookouts when there is possible danger.
6. Be alert. Keep calm. Think clearly. Act decisively.
7. Maintain prompt communications with your forces, your supervisor and
adjoining forces.
8. Give clear instructions and be sure they are understood.
9. Maintain control of your forces at all times.
10. Fight fire aggressively, having provided for safety first.
Watch Out Situations
1. Fire not scouted and sized up.
2. In country not seen in daylight.
3. Safety zones and escape routes not identified.
4. Unfamiliar with weather and local factors influencing fire behavior.
5. Uninformed on strategy, tactics and hazards.
6. Instructions and assignments not clear.
7. No communication link with crew members or supervisor.
8. Constructing line without safe anchor point.
9. Building fireline downhill with fire below.
10. Attempting frontal assault on fire.
11. Unburned fuel between you and fire.
12. Cannot see main fire; not in contact with
someone who can.
13. On a hillside where rolling material can ignite
fuel below.
14. Weather becoming hotter and drier.
15. Wind increases and/or changes direction.
16. Getting frequent spot fires across line.
17. Terrain and fuels make escape to safety zones
difficult.
18. Taking a nap near fireline.
STANDARD FIREFIGHTING ORDERS
WATCH OUT SITUATIONS
113
City of College Station
Community Wildfi re Protection Plan
2014
A collaborative approach to
protecting lives, property and
natural resources in the City of
College Station
3
Table of Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................................. 5
Statement of Intent ..................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Goals ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 5
Objectives ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Working Group ........................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Planning Process ................................................................................................................................................................... 6-10
Community Background ............................................................................................................................................................11
Location ......................................................................................................................................................................................11
General Landscape ............................................................................................................................................................. 12-14
Climate ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 15
City of College Station Fuels .............................................................................................................................................. 15-18
Land Use ............................................................................................................................................................................... 19-21
Fire Response Capabilities ....................................................................................................................................................... 22
Emergency Facilities ................................................................................................................................................................. 23
Utilities and Transportation .............................................................................................................................................. 24-25
Schools .................................................................................................................................................................................. 26-27
Community Legal Authority ................................................................................................................................................... 27
Fire Environment ...................................................................................................................................................................... 28
Wildland Urban Interface .................................................................................................................................................. 28-29
Fire Occurrence ........................................................................................................................................................................ 30
Fire Behavior ....................................................................................................................................................................... 31-34
Risk Assessments ................................................................................................................................................................. 35-36
Response Zone 1 ................................................................................................................................................................. 37-40
Response Zone 2 ................................................................................................................................................................. 41-44
Response Zone 3 ................................................................................................................................................................. 45-47
Response Zone 4 ................................................................................................................................................................. 48-50
Response Zone 5 ................................................................................................................................................................. 51-57
Response Zone 6 ....................................................................................................................................................................... 58
Hazard Rating List .............................................................................................................................................................. 59-61
Mitigation Strategies ................................................................................................................................................................. 62
Public Education ....................................................................................................................................................................... 62
Hazardous Fuels Reduction ..................................................................................................................................................... 62
Fuels Management Program ................................................................................................................................................... 63
Code Enforcement .................................................................................................................................................................... 64
Defensible Space ....................................................................................................................................................................... 65
Evacuation Planning ........................................................................................................................................................... 66-68
Structure Protection Planning .......................................................................................................................................... 68-70
Wildland Capacity Building .............................................................................................................................................. 71-78
Mitigation Funding Sources .................................................................................................................................................... 79
Appendix .................................................................................................................................................................................... 80
CWPP Leader’s Guide .............................................................................................................................................................. 81
Glossary ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 82
Contact List .......................................................................................................................................................................... 83-84
Implementation Progress Checklist ....................................................................................................................................... 85
City Council Proclamation ...................................................................................................................................................... 86
References .................................................................................................................................................................................. 87
5
Introduction
Eighty percent of wildfi res in Texas occur within two miles of a community. Th at means 80 percent of Texas
wildfi res pose a threat to life and property. A Community Wildfi re Protection Plan (CWPP) can help protect
against the threats of wildfi re and reduce losses. By developing a CWPP, the City of College Station is outlining a
strategic plan to mitigate, prepare, respond and recover.
Statement of Intent
Th e intent of the City of College Station CWPP is to reduce the risk of wildfi re and promote ecosystem health.
Th e plan also is intended to reduce home losses and provide for the safety of residents and fi refi ghters during
wildfi res.
Goals
• Provide for the safety of residents and emergency personnel.
• Limit the number of homes destroyed by wildfi re.
• Promote and maintain healthy ecosystems.
• Educate citizens about wildfi re prevention.
Objectives
• Complete wildfi re risk assessments.
• Identify strategic fuels reduction projects.
• Address treatment of structural ignitability.
• Identify local capacity building and training needs.
• Promote wildfi re awareness programs.
Some of the areas assessed and ranked as hazard areas are considered to be in Brazos County rather than in one
of College Station Fire Department’s response zone. College Station Fire Department provides mutual aid and
responds to areas in the county when Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) personnel are not available.
Working Group
College Station Fire Department
• Fire Chief R.B. Alley III (Ret.)
• Fire Chief Eric Hurt
• Assistant Chief Jon Mies
• Battalion Chief Joe Warren
• Captain Tim Hamff
• Captain Mike Ruesink
• Driver / Engineer Andrea Ferrell
• Public Information Offi cer Bart Humphreys
• Emergency Management Coordinator Brian Hilton
• Public Education Offi cer Christina Seidel
• Training Coordinator Billy Bradshaw
Texas A&M Forest Service
• Wildland Urban Interface Specialist II Melanie Spradling
• Wildland Urban Interface Specialist I Luke Kanclerz
6
Planning Process
MeetingDate
TopicsCoveredAttendeesActionItems
12/10/12
ReviewCWPP
process
*CollegeStationEMCBrianHilton
*BryanFireChiefRandyMcGregor
*BryanEMCJerryHenry
*BrazosCountyEMCChuckFrazier
*TexasA&MUniversityOfficeofSafety
andSecurityrepresentativeMonica
Weintraub
*TFSMitigationandPrevention
DepartmentHeadBruceWoods
*TFSStateWUICoordinatorJustice
Jones
*TFSWUISpecialistJaredKarns
*TFSWUISpecialistLukeKanclerz
*TFSCommunicationsSpecialistApril
Saginor
Eachentitywas
taskedwith
determining
whetheritwantsto
pursueaCWPP
and,ifso,
contactingTexas
A&MForest
Servicetobegin
theprocess
4/17/13
Riskassessment
trainingfor
ResponseZones3,
4and5
*Capt.JoeWarren
*PIOBartHumphreys
*Lt.KevinSimmons
*Lt.TimSullivan
*Lt.TimHamff
*Lt.TimValdez
*TFSWUISpecialistMelanieSpradling
*TFSWUISpecialistLukeKanclerz
Addcollecteddata
toCWPP
4/18/13
Riskassessments
forResponseZones
1,2and6
*AssistantChiefJonMies
*Capt.JoeWarren
*PublicEducationOfficerChristina
Seidel
*Lt.MikeRuesink
*Lt.JerryDuffy
*Lt.TimHamff
*TFSWUISpecialistMelanieSpradling
*TFSWUISpecialistLukeKanclerz
Addcollecteddata
toCWPP
5/6/13
Riskassessment
presentationand
coordinationof
workinggroup
*ChiefR.BAlley
*AssistantChiefJonMies
*FireMarshalEricHurt
*CaptainJoeWarren
*PIOBartHumphreys
*AssistantFireMarshalEricDotson
*TFSWUISpecialistMelanieSpradling
*TFSWUISpecialistLukeKanclerz
Addcollecteddata
toCWPPand
discussPreͲAttack
Plan
7
MeetingDate
TopicsCoveredAttendeesActionItems
5/7/13
Riskassessment
presentation
*TFSWUISpecialistMelanieSpradling
*TFSWUISpecialistLukeKanclerz
CSFDAShift:
*JoeGibson
*AndreaFerrell
*BrentSanders
*AdamMcCullough
*BradBallard
*ClintAnderson
*RichardWestbrook
*FredRapczyk
*MichaelSwoboda
*DavidGillis
*NathanHooper
*JoshuaHarrington
*BradleyMcPherson
*PatrickDugan
*TonyRay
*AndrewByorth
*RichardWeisser
*TimHamff
*DarrylSmith
*ChetBarker
*JustinWoodard
*BenjaminMiller
*TomThraen
*CharlesAlmanza
*StuartMarrs
*DanMcNeill
*DavidMoore
*DougSmith
*ScottGiffen
*TommyTharp
*JasonNeuendorff
*ChrisPoole
*CarterHall
*PatrickMattina
Addcollecteddata
toCWPP
8
MeetingDateTopicsCoveredAttendeesActionItems
5/8/13
Riskassessment
presentation
*TFSWUISpecialistMelanieSpradling
*TFSWUISpecialistLukeKanclerz
CSFDBShift:
*JamesCrook
*GrantMcKay
*TimValdez
*JeremyMurders
*ErnieGoode
*MichaelMiddleton
*JohnKimbrough
*JohnShultz
*TimSullivan
*JacobPrazak
*MichaelBrown
*LewisClinkscales
*WadeAmy
*MikeArmstrong
*MatthewBrunson
*EricFalke
*LeonMoore
*LanceNorwood
*GregRodgers
*CharlesSelensky
*ChadPhillips
*MattTomas
*AndyThrone
*StanStephenson
*JeffKuykendall
*K.Simmons
*DavidCopeland
*DerekGallion
*JakePickard
*JarrodDreher
Addcollecteddata
toCWPP
9
MeetingDate
TopicsCovered
Attendees
ActionItems
5/9/13
Riskassessment
presentation
*TFSWUISpecialistMelanieSpradling
*TFSWUISpecialistLukeKanclerz
CSFDCShift:
*AnthonyC.Marino
*JasonGiles
*JasonMurrell
*DominicBeran
*MichaelCole
*PhillipMarkert
*ZacLawson
*MikeRohach
*MichaelMacias
*TravisTowers
*PatQuinlan
*MattHarmon
*JohnnyWard
*BillWalton
*JeremyEngel
*WilliamShelton
*J.P.Moore
*RobertMumford
*MikeRuesink
*GeorgeRosier
*LayneDussetschleger
*DeborahHamff
*ChrisKelly
*ChristinaSeidel
*AustinHoggard
*JoshVarner
*DannyDriskell
*JimmyYow
*NathanNoynaert
*MikeClemente
*CurtisDonahoe
*DerekBishop
Addcollecteddata
toCWPP
10
MeetingDate
TopicsCovered
Attendees
ActionItems
5/30/13
CWPPWorking
GroupMeeting
*TFSWUISpecialistMelanieSpradling
*TFSWUISpecialistLukeKanclerz
CollegeStationFireDepartment
*FireChiefR.B.AlleyIII
*Asst.ChiefJonMies
*FireMarshalEricHurt
*Capt.JoeWarren
*Lt.TimHamff
*Lt.MikeRuesink
*PublicInformationOfficerBart
Humphreys
*EmergencyManagementCoordinator
BrianHilton
*PublicEducationOfficerChristina
Seidel
*TrainingCoordinatorBillyBradshaw
DiscussedCWPP
edits,signing
ceremonyanddata
neededforPreͲ
AttackPlan
11
Community Background
Location
College Station, Texas
Brazos County
N 30° 34’ 00”
W 96° 16’ 04”
With a population of about 97,000 in 2012, College Station is the largest city in the metropolitan area,
encompassing about 49 square miles. College Station is home to Texas A&M University, one of the country’s
largest public universities. Th e city is located in the heart of central Texas within a three-hour drive of fi ve of the
nation’s 20 largest municipalities.
12
General Landscape
Texas is one of the fastest-growing states in the nation, with much of this growth occurring adjacent to
metropolitan areas. Th is increase in population across the state will impact counties and communities within
the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI). Th e topography within the city limits is primarily fl at plains and smooth
plains.
Predictive Service Areas (PSA) represent regions where the weather reporting stations tend to react similarly to
daily weather regimes and exhibit similar fl uctuations in fi re danger and climate. Seven PSA are delineated in
Texas. Fire weather thresholds, fuel moisture thresholds and National Fire Danger Rating System thresholds have
been developed for each PSA and are unique to the designated PSA.
Critical fi re weather thresholds for the PSA in which College Station is located are:
Relative humidity: 30 percent or less
20-foot windspeed (meaning windspeeds that are calculated at 20 feet above the forest canopy): 15 mph or more
Temperature: 10 percent above average
In the tables below, at the low end of the scale in the greens and blues we see normal to below-normal conditions.
Initial attack should be successful with few complexities. At the upper end of the scale in the oranges and reds
we see unusual or rare conditions and we would expect to see complex fi res where initial attack may oft en fail. So
the diffi cult category to describe and thus maybe the most important category for initial attack is the middle or
transition zone in the yellow. Somewhere in the yellow, fi res transition from normal to problematic.
NFDRS - National Fire Danger Rating System BI - Burning Index
ERC - Energy Release Component KBDI - Keetch-Byram Drought Index
13
14
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College Station Comprehensive PlanMap 5.1
Parks and Greenways
"
1010.5 Miles
Mini Park
Neighborhood Park
Community Park
Regional Park
Greenways
FEMA Floodplain
!!!City Limits
Adopted May 28, 2009
Th e City of College Station currently has more than 1,305 acres of parkland and 500 acres of greenway that allow
for active and passive recreation. Th ey are classifi ed as follows and displayed in the map above.
• Mini Parks – 7
• Neighborhood Parks – 34
• Community Parks – 8
• Regional Parks – 2 (Lick Creek Nature Park and Veterans Athletic Park)
• Special – 2 (Arboretum, Conference Center)
• Cemeteries – 2 (not included in total acreage above)
• Greenways trials – 3 miles of paved trails
Source: City of College Station Comprehensive Plan
Parks
15
Climate
Peak Fire Seasons:
Primary – July through September with summer drying
Dry vegetation due to little or no rain, combined with temperatures of 98° to 105° F on a daily basis. Hurricanes
or tropical storms close to Southeast Texas bring in dry, strong to gusty winds from the north and northeast.
Secondary – December through March with cured grasses and wind events
Cold front moves in from the north ushering in drier air. Relative humidity drops below 20 percent during the
aft ernoon hours with winds gusting anywhere from 25 mph to 50 mph.
City of College Station Fuels
16
Surface fuels contain the parameters
needed to compute surface fi re behavior
characteristics, such as rate of spread,
fl ame length, fi reline intensity and other
fi re behavior metrics. As the name might
suggest, surface fuels only account for the
surface fi re potential.
Canopy fi re potential is computed
through a separate but linked process. Th e
Texas Wildfi re Risk Assessment accounts
for both surface and canopy fi re potential
in the fi re behavior outputs.
Surface fuels are typically categorized into
one of four primary fuel types based on
the primary carrier of the surface fi re: 1)
grass, 2) shrub/brush, 3) timber litter and
4) slash.
17
Vegetation
Th e vegetation map describes the general vegetation and landcover types across the state of Texas. In the
Texas Wildfi re Risk Assessment (TWRA), the vegetation dataset is used to support the development of
surface fuels, canopy cover, canopy stand height, canopy base height and canopy bulk density datasets. Th e
vegetation classes with descriptions are shown in the following table.
18
19
Land Use
According to the College Station Comprehensive Plan, the city is poised for signifi cant population growth in
the upcoming decades. Th is growth will bring with it signifi cant demands for additional housing, shopping,
recreation, public facilities and services, and transportation. How land is used and development occurs to serve
this increasing population will have signifi cant and long lasting impacts on the community.
Th e population of the City of College Station is projected to increase by approximately 40,000 for a total
population of approximately 134,000 by 2030. Th e housing demand associated with this population increase
is projected to equate to an additional 20,000 dwelling units. If current trends prevail about one-fourth or 5,000
of these will be new single-family homes and the remainder will consist of duplexes or apartment units. Th is
projected increase in housing necessitates the availability of nearly 3,000 to 4,000 acres for new construction in
greenfi eld areas or through redevelopment and infi ll development.
If population and housing demands continue to increase and the challenges associated with the physically
expanding the City’s boundaries persist, then the population density of College Station will likely increase. Th e
current population density of the City is estimated at slightly more than 1,800 persons per square mile. Since
1940, the City’s population density has ranged from a low of 856 persons per square mile (1940) to a high of
2,211 persons per square mile (1999). Th ough the population density remains quite low in comparison to other
metropolitan areas, increasing population density off ers opportunities for new building types, such as
condominiums, townhomes and vertical mixed use. It also presents the need for more eff ective land use
planning and capital investments.
20
Existing Land Use
Urban
Urban character is currently
concentrated in the Northgate area. It
primarily involves the businesses along
either side of College Main, immediately
north of University Drive. Th e public
parking garage and recent multi-story
residential projects built close to
the street continue this urban feel.
Th is area currently includes vertical
development, minimal setbacks, minimal
surface parking lots and a high level of
pedestrian activity.
Suburban
Suburban character dominates College
Station as a result of the time period of
most of College Station’s development
(post-World War II), local preferences
and building customs, and the dominance of the student population (dormitories and apartments). Much of
this suburban character is auto-dominated, that is it consists of land uses that have extensive areas of parking
in relationship to their fl oor area. Big-box retail areas and shopping malls are quintessential examples of this
character. Most apartment complexes, duplexes, and even single-family residential developments catering to
students exhibit similar auto-oriented character and design.
Areas of the City exhibit a less auto-dependent and more walkable character. Th ese areas retain a balance
between green areas (parks and open space) and the built environment. Oft en these areas include parks, schools,
and small-scale, neighborhood-serving businesses.
Th e College Hills area is a good example of this type of suburban land use and character. A few of these areas
are more specialized in land use, such as the College Station Business Center, which provides employment and
business opportunities in a walkable environment with signifi cant open space. Th ere are also suburban areas that
are dominated by open space. Th ese estate areas are much more rural in character with homes generally placed
on large lots. Foxfi re subdivision is a good example of this type of suburban land use and character.
Rural
Rural areas that currently exist in and around College Station include areas that exhibit countryside, agricultural,
and natural character. Countryside is typically dominated by a few lots of estate size fronting a road surrounded
by agricultural or natural lands. Th e latter two tend to be determined by uses – crop or ranching in agricultural
areas and wooded or savanna lands in natural areas. Rural areas tend to be more auto-suburban commercial
along Earl Rudder Freeway.
21!!
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S College Station Comprehensive PlanFuture Land Use
and
Character
"
Comprehensive Land Use Plan
Neighborhood Conservation
Rural
Estate
Restricted Suburban
General Suburban
Urban
Urban Mixed Use
General Commercial
Suburban Commercial
Business Park
Institutional/Public
Texas A&M University
Natural Areas - Protected
Natural Areas - Reserved
Utilities
!!!Redevelopment Areas
Water
City Limits
ETJ - 3.5 Mile
Brazos Centerlines
ETJ - 5 Mile (estimated)
Note: A comprehensive plan shall not constitute
zoning regulations or establish zoning boundaries.
1010.5 Miles
Current 3.5-mile ETJ
Current
City Limits
Projected Future 5-mile ETJ
Adopted May 28, 2009
Revised Jun 23, 2011
Amendments to Future Land Use & Character:
Ord # 3247: Central College Station Neighborhood Plan 6/10/10
Ord # 3255: 301 Southwest Pkwy 7/9/10
Ord # 3354: Eastgate Neighborhood Plan 6/23/11
Map 2.2
Future Land Use
Th e basic land use concept associated with the city’s Comprehensive Plan is to achieve the highest quality of life
by accommodating the projected demand for new housing, businesses and public facilities, resulting in multiple
places of distinction. Th is concept focuses on:
• Strong and sustainable neighborhoods;
• Unique districts and corridors both natural and man-made;
• Growth areas fl exible enough to respond to a changing marketplace while proscriptive enough to contribute to
the community’s quality of life;
• Rural areas that preserve open spaces and respect the limits of public infrastructure and services;
• Redevelopment areas that renew struggling or under-performing areas of the community through partnerships
with public and private interests; and,
• Context-sensitive mobility system linking the community together.
In addition to meeting the projected demands associated with an increasing population, this concept enables
the City to continue to strengthen its principal competitive advantage for attracting and retaining residents and
visitors along with new businesses and the employment and tax revenues that accompany them – that is, a high
quality of life.
Source: City of College Station Comprehensive Plan
22
Fire Response Capabilities
Th e College Station Fire Department has six fi re stations and staff s six engines, one ladder tower, one tender, one
aircraft rescue and fi refi ghting vehicle, four Mobile Intensive Care Unit (MICU) capable ambulances, and one
command vehicle.
Th ere are 41 personnel assigned to each of three shift s, with minimum staffi ng daily at 33 personnel. Shift
personnel work a 24-hour shift with 48 hours off between shift s, for an average of 56 hours worked each week.
Th e College Station Fire Department is the lead agency for a Hazardous Materials Response Group made up of
personnel from the College Station and Bryan Fire Departments and personnel from the Environmental Health
and Safety Offi ce of Texas A&M University.
STATION APPARATUS
Fire Station No. 1
304 Holleman Drive East
Engine – Compressed air foam (Unit # 721)
Engine – reserve (#727)
Ambulance (Unit # 761)
Ambulance – reserve (Unit # 765)
EMS Gator (Unit # 760)
Fire/ EMS Gator (Unit # 799)
Fire Station No. 2
2100 Rio Grande Blvd.
Engine – compressed air foam (Unit # 722)
Ambulance (Unit #762)
Truck – 100 ft. ladder platform (Unit # 752)
Truck – 75 ft. ladder – reserve (Unit # 751)
Fire Station No. 3
1900 Barron Road
Engine – compressed air foam (Unit # 723)
Engine – reserve (Unit # 728)
Ambulance (Unit # 763)
Fire Station No. 4
1550 George Bush Drive West
Engine – foam system (Unit # 724)
Ambulance – reserve (Unit # 764)
Truck – ARFF (Unit # 734)
Truck – ARFF – reserve (Unit # 794)
Fire Station No. 5
1601 William D. Fitch Parkway
Engine – foam system (Unit # 725)
Tender – 3,000 gal (Unit # 735)
Truck – grass (Unit #745)
Fire Station No. 6
610 University Drive East
Engine – compressed air foam (Unit # 726)
Ambulance (Unit # 766)
Command Vehicle – Battalion Chief (Unit # 711)
Command Vehicle – reserve (Unit # 706)
Rehab/ Air (Unit # 796)
Dodge Truck – dual utility truck (Unit # 790)
HazMat Trailer – local and regional response
Swift water/ dive trailer
Inflatable Rescue Boat
Flat Bottom Boat
23
Emergency Facilities
Treatment centers in the area include:
College Station Medical Center, 1604 Rock Prairie Road
• 171 licensed beds; 12-bed medical/surgical ICU;
eight operating rooms (plus two cath labs)
• MRI scanner; CT scanner; dialysis unit
• 13 isolation beds (one in ER)
• Emergency power for 158 hours
• Emergency room: 29 acute care beds
Scott and White Healthcare, 700 Scott & White Drive
• 143 beds
• Level III emergency department
• MRI scanner, 64-slice CT scanner
St. Joseph Regional Health Center, 2801 Franciscan
• 266 licensed beds; 36-bed medical/surgical ICU; 16
operating rooms
• MRI scanner; two CT scanners; dialysis unit
• 30 isolation beds
• Emergency power for indefi nite number of hours
• Emergency room: 28 treatment room beds
Th e Physicians Centre Hospital, 3131 University Drive
• 16 licensed beds; no ICU; four operating rooms
and two minor procedure rooms
• MRI scanner, CT scanner, no dialysis unit
• Emergency power for 24 hours
• Emergency Room: 16 patient suites
PHI Air Medic, located at St. Joseph Regional Health
Center, 2801 Franciscan
• Transports patients by helicopter
Th e closest burn units are:
• Shriners Hospitals for Children Pediatric Burn
Center in Galveston
• University of Texas Medical Branch Blocker Adult
Burn Center in Galveston
24
Utilities and
Transportation
Utilities
College Station Utilities
(979) 764-3535
Bryan Texas Utilities
(979) 821-5700
Texas A&M University Utilities
(979) 458-5500
Mid-South Synergy
(936) 825-5100
Navasota Valley Electric Co-op
(979) 828-3232
Entergy
(800) 368-3749
Atmos Energy
(866) 322-8667
Hazardous materials transportation routes
Hazardous materials transportation routes are a concern in the event of a wildfi re that prompts road closures or
evacuations.
Highways
Texas State Highway 6
Primary chemical hazards: LPG; gasoline
Protective action distance: 800 meters-1,600
meters
Texas State Highway 21
Primary chemical hazards: LPG; gasoline
Protective action distance: 800 meters-1,600
meters
Texas State Highway 30
Primary chemical hazards: LPG; gasoline
Protective action distance: 800 meters-1,600
meters
Texas F.M. 2818
Primary chemical hazards: Ammonia
Protective action distance: 1,600 meters
25
Railroads
Union Pacifi c
Railroad
Primary
chemical
hazards:
Liquid and
dry chemicals;
hydrofl uoric
acid
Protective
action distance:
800 meters, or
as required for
safety
Pipelines
Exxon/Mobil
Pipeline
Primary
chemical
hazard:
Petroleum
Protective action
distance: 300
meters-800 meters
ConocoPhillips Pipeline
Primary chemical hazard: Petroleum
Protective action distance: 300 meters-800 meters
Teppco Pipeline
Primary chemical hazard: Petroleum
Protective action distance: 300 meters-800 meters
Koch Pipeline
Primary chemical hazard: Petroleum/crude oil
Protective action distance: 300 meters-800 meters
Enterprise Pipeline
Primary chemical hazard: Natural gas
Protective action distance: 800 meters-1,600 meters
Pipeline Safety
Most highly explosive pipelines will
be buried approximately three feet
deep, but there are exceptions.
Some of the larger fi refi ghting
equipment will be powerful enough
to rupture these lines. Other lines
may not be as explosive but can
also be very dangerous. Most of the
plastic “fl ow lines” that lie on top
of the ground are usually carrying
less of a dangerous liquid but can still burn if ignited.
Th is hazard requires the use of lookouts, especially at
night. Some situations may require that the ground
person walk in front of the equipment if pipelines are
suspected in the vicinity.
Underground pipelines are marked with above-ground
markers.
Th e pink line shows the railroad’s route through the city.
26
Schools
Texas A&M University
College Station is home to Texas A&M University, attended by approximately 50,000 students. Evacuation orders
for the Texas A&M campus are issued via Code Maroon messaging system.
According to Texas A&M Campus Safety and Emergency Procedures, when a campus evacuation notice is
issued:
• Pedestrians should exit campus by the shortest route, walking north toward Church Street or south toward
Anderson Park - use crosswalks, obey police direction, do not impede traffi c fl ow.
• Exit campus as directed in the Code Maroon message.
• You may use your vehicle to leave campus unless directed otherwise in the Code Maroon message.
• If possible, Transportation Services will continue to operate off -campus routes, outbound only. Bus pickup
locations may be altered, changes will be announced and posted at http://emergency.tamu.edu.
• Transportation Services Paratransit can be reached by calling (979) 845-1971.
• Visit http://emergency.tamu.edu for regular updates on the emergency situation and information on
returning to campus.
College Station Independent School District
27
School Evacuation and Sheltering
College Station ISD has emergency
operations plans for each campus, which
were developed in 2005. Th e emergency
response plans are evaluated and updated
annually, and in 2011 the plans went through
a formal evaluation with security and
safety experts from the Texas Engineering
Extension Service. Each plan takes into
account the campus location, design and age
of students.
Th ese respective campus plans contain
multiple possible responses which can be
applied to emergency situations in order
to maximize student safety. All CSISD
campuses practice multiple emergency
responses, including evacuations, lockdowns and shelter-in-place drills, on a routine basis.
All CSISD campuses have emergency radios, which have the capability to directly contact the College Station
Police Department dispatch. CSISD also works closely with the College Station PD, which has engaged in
emergency response training in CSISD buildings. Additionally, CSISD contracts with an outside agency to
conduct a safety audit every three years.
When school is not in session, CSISD facilities could potentially be used as staging locations or Incident
Command Posts. Such arrangements are coordinated through the College Station Emergency Management
Coordinator, American Red Cross and CSISD Director of Facilities.
Community Legal Authority
Th e City Council is composed of the Mayor and six council members elected at large. Th e Mayor is the presiding
offi cer of the City Council and is recognized as the head of the city government for all ceremonial purposes. Th e
Mayor is entitled to vote on all matters under consideration by the City Council. Th e City Council shall elect a
Mayor Pro Tem from its membership who will act as Mayor during the absence or disability of the Mayor.
Th e Mayor and each council member will hold offi ce for a period of three years until his or her successor is
elected and qualifi ed. No person shall be deemed elected to an offi ce unless that person receives a majority of all
the votes cast for such offi ce.
In the event of an incident, the fi rst responder on the scene will take charge and serve as the Incident
Commander until relieved in accordance with local procedures (Brazos County Interjurisdictional Emergency
Management Plan, Annex N, Direction and Control). Th e county judge or mayor will likely be responsible for
declaring a disaster and ordering evacuations. Th e City of College Station employs Incident Command System
principles during emergency response.
Burn bans are set by the Brazos County Commissioners Court for Brazos County. For the City of College
Station, burning is only allowed by permit issued by the College Station Fire Marshal. Burn bans are evaluated
based on the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (particularly when it is approaching 600), frequency of fi re calls and
other weather conditions.
28
Fire Environment
Wildland Urban Interface
Th e Wildland Urban Interface
(WUI) is described as the area where
structures meet and intermingle with
undeveloped wildland or vegetative
fuels. Population growth within the
WUI substantially increases wildfi re
risks. In Texas, more than 80 percent
of wildfi res occur within two miles of
a community.
College Station’s population is
estimated to be 98,866.
It is estimated that 25,786 people,
or 45 percent of the population, live
within the WUI.
Population is determined by the housing density of a certain area. Th is is measured in the number of houses
per number of acres. Th e higher-density areas are calculated at three houses per acre and the less dense areas
are calculated at one house per 40 acres. Th is information gives planners an idea of how many homes are at risk
to wildfi re and how many homes would need to be protected during a wildfi re, which is useful when planning
evacuations.
Th e scale below shows the lowest density (gray) to highest density (purple) and the WUI population and acreage
refl ected for each density level in College Station.
29
30
Fire Occurrence
Wildfi re occurrence statistics provide insight into the number of fi res, the cause of fi res and acres burned. Th ese
statistics are useful for prevention and mitigation planning. Th ey can be used to determine the time of year
most fi res typically occur and develop a fi re prevention campaign aimed at reducing a specifi c fi re cause. Th e fi re
occurrence statistics are grouped by primary response agency, which include:
• Federal – Fires reported by U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service.
• Texas A&M Forest Service (TFS) – Texas A&M Forest Service’s fi re occurrence database represents all state-
reported fi res.
• Local – Th e local category includes fi res reported via Texas A&M Forest Service’s online fi re department
reporting system. It is a voluntary reporting system that includes fi res reported by both paid and volunteer fi re
departments since 2005.
Five years of historic fi re report data was used to create the fi re occurrence summary charts. Data was obtained
from federal, state and local fi re department report data sources for the years 2005-2009.
31
Fire Behavior
Th e City of College Station has
two primary fuel types of concern:
grasses and oak. During the
dormant season, grasses pose the
most risk especially during passing
weather fronts. Cured grasses and
high winds can produce extreme
fi re behavior during the dormant
season. Depending on grazing
practices, rates of spread and fl ame
lengths can range from low to high.
Since grasses are considered a one-
hour fuel, they dry out quickly and
burn rapidly.
Oak forests pose the most risk
during late summer drying
(July through September). Oaks can
produce single-tree and group torching
depending on live fuel moisture levels
and the presence of understory fuels.
Sustained crown runs also may be
possible but are rare events. Oaks pose
the most risk for spotting potential.
Because oak leaves are large and thin,
they retain heat well and can easily
be loft ed far ahead of the main fi re,
producing spot fi res.
Yaupon and tall grasses are the primary
ladder fuels in the area. Tall grasses can
produce high fl ame lengths and under
the right conditions, can cause oaks
and eastern red cedars to torch. Yaupon
can grow tall as well (6 to 12 feet) and
can provide a route for a surface fi re to
climb and spread into the canopy.
While most wildland incidents will end with a successful initial attack, the City of College Station does have the
potential for extended attack, especially during dry, windy conditions and when Energy Release Components are
above the 97th percentile.
Peak Fire Seasons:
Primary: July through September with summer drying.
Secondary: December through March with cured grasses and wind events.
32
Fire Danger Tools:
Probably the most eff ective tool for gauging
the day-to-day fi re behavior in the City
of College Station is the Signifi cant Fire
Potential Matrix that can be found on the
Texas Interagency Coordination Center
website (http://ticc.tamu.edu). Th e matrix,
pictured at right, takes into account Burning
Index (BI) and Energy Release Component
(ERC). Th e BI provides the potential for
initial attack activity, while the ERC provides
the potential for extended attack activity.
Together, these two indices produce a simple
and accurate outlook for fi re behavior on any
given day.
For the City of College Station, these values
can be found at:
BI/ERC Calculations: http://ticc.tamu.edu/
PredictiveServices/WeatherStation.htm
* Click on “NFDRS Indices”
Fire Potential Matrix: http://ticc.tamu.edu/
PredictiveServices/WeatherStation.htm
* Click on the “Round Prairie RAWS”
33
Characteristic Rate of Spread
Characteristic Rate of Spread is the typical or
representative rate of spread of a potential fi re
based on a weighted average of four percentile
weather categories. Rate of spread is the speed
with which a fi re moves in a horizontal direction
across the landscape, usually expressed in chains*
per hour (ch/hr) or feet per minute (ft /min). For
purposes of the Texas Wildfi re Risk Assessment,
this measurement represents the maximum rate of
spread of the fi re front.
Rate of spread is a fi re behavior output, which is
infl uenced by three environmental factors – fuels,
weather and topography. Weather is by far the
most dynamic variable as it changes frequently. To
account for this variability, four percentile weather
categories were created from historical weather
observations to represent low, moderate, high and
extreme weather days for each weather infl uence
zone in Texas. A weather
infl uence zone is an area
where, for analysis purposes,
the weather on any given day
is considered uniform. Th ere
are 22 weather infl uence zones
in Texas.
Characteristic Flame
Length
Characteristic Flame Length
is the typical or representative
fl ame length of a potential fi re
based on a weighted average
of four percentile weather
categories. Flame Length
is defi ned as the distance
between the fl ame tip and the
midpoint of the fl ame depth at
the base of the fl ame, which is
generally the ground surface. It
is an indicator of fi re intensity and is oft en used to estimate how much heat the fi re is generating. Flame length is
typically measured in feet.
Flame length is a fi re behavior output, which is infl uenced by three environmental factors – fuels, weather and
topography.
* A chain is 66 feet.
34
35
Risk Assessments
Risk assessments are conducted to gauge
wildland fi re hazards for the lands and
neighborhoods in a particular area.
Assessments are crucial to developing an
understanding of the risk of potential losses to
life, property and natural resources during a
wildland fi re.
Specifi cally, the risk assessment:
• Assesses risks, hazards, fi re protection
capability, structural vulnerability and
values to be protected.
• Identifi es the Wildland Urban Interface
(WUI) within the planning area.
• Identifi es and prioritizes areas in which to
conduct fuels reduction treatments.
Risk assessment criteria includes:
• Means of access (ingress and egress, road
width, all-season road condition, fi re
service access and street signs)
• Vegetation (characteristics of predominate
vegetation within 300 feet of a home,
defensible space)
• Roofi ng assembly (roof class)
• Building construction (materials)
• Available fi re protection (water source
availability, organized response resources)
• Placement of gas and electric utilities
Risk assessments were conducted in the
response zones for each of College Station’s six
fi re stations. Members of the working group
assessed 30 areas. Th e fi ndings showed one
extreme-risk area, seven high-risk areas, 15
moderate-risk areas and seven low-risk areas.
Once high-risk areas were identifi ed, specifi c
mitigation strategies were outlined to reduce
wildfi re risks.
36
37
Risk Assessment Findings by Zone
Response Zone 1
Seven individual risk assessments were conducted in Response Zone 1, which is covered by Fire Station No. 1 at
304 Holleman East.
Of the seven neighborhoods assessed, one was high risk, two were moderate risk and four were low risk.
Mitigation strategies identifi ed for this response zone include the following:
• Fuels reduction
• Public education
• Code enforcement
38
1. Glen Oaks Mobile Home Park
High Risk
75 points
30° 38’ 36” N
96° 15’ 29” W
Located off Highway 30 and Pate Road, homes are
built in and adjacent to 33
acres of dense cedar, yaupon
and oak. Th ere is suffi cient
access to homes. Homes are
constructed of vinyl with
wooden attachments. Th ere
are no fi re hydrants present.
Th is area is outside College
Station’s response zone, but
Station 1 oft en responds to
calls in this area.
Mitigation Strategies:
• Fuels reduction: mechanical, hand clearing
• Code enforcement
• Public Education (target defensible space, home
construction and Ready, Set, Go!)
Values at Risk:
• No individual parcel
data
• $383,210 total value
• 10 acres
39
2. Nunn Jones Road
Moderate Risk
54 points
30° 38’ 52” N
96° 16’ 25” W
Th e area around Nunn Jones Road, Pamela Lane, Vista
Lane and Deer Run Drive has many undeveloped
lots containing a mix of grass, yaupon, oak and
cedar. Th ere are approximately 450 acres of wildland
vegetation. Roads are paved, and there is readable
address signage on homes. Th ere are some dead-end
streets in the area. Home construction is mainly brick
and hardy plank with composite roofs. Th ere are no
fi re hydrants in this area. Th e neighborhood is outside
College Station’s response zone, but Station 1 oft en
responds to calls in this area.
Mitigation Strategies:
• Ingress/egress plan
• Public education (target Ready, Set, Go!)
• Water sources
4. Deer Run
Low Risk
32 points
30° 38’ 14” N
96° 15’ 04” W
Home construction is mainly brick and hardy plank
with composite roofs. Fuels are light to medium
closed timber litter, hardwood litter and short grasses.
Landscape is not well maintained throughout the area;
tall grasses are not watered regularly.
3. Raintree
Moderate Risk
42 points
30° 37’ 16” N
96° 17’ 0” W
Located off Raintree Drive and Wilderness Drive, this
subdivision is surrounded by 118 acres of yaupon, oak
and a grassy fl oodplain. Th ere is potential that grasses
in the fl oodplain could dry out and increase fi re spread
during drought conditions. Th ere is only one way
in and out. Th is area is adjacent to a power line/oil
pipeline easement. Homes are constructed of brick and
have composite roofs with wooden fences attached.
Many homes have shrubs and bushes growing next to
and under windows. City fi re hydrants are present.
Mitigation Strategies:
• Ingress/egress plan
• Public education (target combustible attachments
and Ready, Set, Go!)
• Fuels reduction: mechanical, hand clearing
5. Windwood
Low Risk
29 points
30° 37’ 49” N
96 17’ 47” W
Located near Harvey Road and South Earl Rudder
Freeway, Windwood is adjacent to 66 acres of oak and
grasses. Th ere is a power line and oil pipeline easement
next to the subdivision. Th ere are two ways in and out
of the area. Many homes have wooden fences attached.
Homes are mainly constructed of brick and composite
roofs with good defensible space. City fi re hydrants are
present.
40
6. Horse Haven
Low Risk
25 points
30° 37’ 41” N
96° 17’ 34” W
Th e primary threat to the Horse Haven Lane area is a
38-acre hayfi eld on the backside of the development
which could rapidly carry a surface fi re. Th ere are two
ways in and out. Homes are constructed of brick and
composite roofs with wooden fences attached. City fi re
hydrants are present. A power substation and police/
fi re communication tower are in this area.
7. Summit Crossing
Low Risk
25 points
30° 38’ 55” N
96° 17’ 5” W
Located off of Harvey Road, Buena Vista Drive and
Lonetree Drive, the primary fuel types in this area
are grasses and oak. Homes are built close to each
other and are constructed of fi ber cement siding and
composite roofi ng materials. City fi re hydrants are
present.
41
Response Zone 2
Five individual risk assessments were conducted in Response Zone 2, which is covered by Fire Station No. 2 at
2100 Rio Grande Blvd.
Of the fi ve neighborhoods assessed, two were high risk, two were moderate risk and one was low risk.
Mitigation strategies identifi ed for this response zone include the following:
• Ingress/egress plan
• Public education
• Fuels reduction
• Hydrant system
• Code enforcement
42
1. Woodway and Pleasant Forest
Mobile Home Parks
High Risk
87 points
30° 35’ 48” N
96° 17’ 39” W
Located near Mile Drive
and Texas Avenue, the
area is mostly developed,
but there is a 20-acre
stand of oak, juniper
and yaupon that poses
a risk. Th ere is only one
point of ingress/egress.
Many homes are vinyl,
not enclosed under the
foundation and have
wooden attachments.
Mitigation Strategies:
• Ingress/egress plan
• Public education (target building
materials, defensible space and Ready, Set,
Go!)
• Fuels reduction: mechanical, hand
clearing
• Code enforcement
Values at Risk:
• No
individual
parcel data
• $907,420
total value
• 34 acres
43
2. Sherwood Heights/Robin
Drive
High Risk
84 points
30° 33’ 23” N
96° 20’ 0” W
Located off Rock Prairie Road and Dowling
Road, this area is surrounded by 125 acres
of oak, cedar and
yaupon. Th ere are
two ways in and
out. Residences are
a mixture of brick
construction and
mobile homes with
wooden attachments.
Th ere is poor
defensible space
around and adjacent
to homes. Th ere are no fi re hydrants present.
Mitigation Strategies:
• Implement hydrant system
• Public education (target building
materials, defensible space and Ready, Set,
Go!)
• Fuels reduction: mechanical, hand
clearing
• Code enforcement
Values at Risk:
• 110 homes
• $8,505,110
total value
• 74 acres
44
3. Sandstone Drive
Moderate Risk
55 points
30° 36’ 9” N
96° 16’ 31” W
Th e primary fuels in this area are 30 acres of short
grasses, oak and yaupon. Th ere is only one point of
ingress/egress. Home construction is mostly brick and
composite roofs with wooden fences attached. City fi re
hydrants are present.
Mitigation Strategies:
• Ingress/egress plan
• Public education (target Ready, Set, Go!)
• Fuels reduction: mechanical, hand clearing
5. Emerald Forest
Low Risk
28 points
30° 36’ 22” N
96° 17’ 2” W
Located near Emerald Parkway and Appomattox
Drive, the primary fuels are 65 acres of oak and
yaupon. Th ere are three ways in and out of this area.
Homes are constructed of brick and composite roofs
with wooden fences attached. City fi re hydrants are
present.
4. Great Oaks
Moderate Risk
46 points
30° 33’ 38” N
96° 20’ 72” W
Homes are constructed of brick and composite roofs
with wooden fences attached. Th ere is good defensible
space but just one point of ingress/egress. Th ere is only
one fi re hydrant in the area.
Mitigation Strategies:
• Ingress/egress plan
• Public education (target combustible attachments,
defensible space and Ready, Set, Go!)
45
Response Zone 3
Five individual risk assessments were conducted in Response Zone 3, which is covered by Fire Station No. 3 at
1900 Barron Road.
Of the fi ve neighborhoods assessed, one was high risk and four were moderate risk.
Mitigation strategies identifi ed for this response zone include the following:
• Public education
• Fuels reduction
• Code enforcement
46
1. South Dowling and I&GN
Road
High Risk
62 points
30° 32’ 17” N
96° 18’ 43” W
Primary fuels in this
area are 80 acres of
pasture land and tall
grasses with some
oaks stands. Grasses
have the potential
to rapidly carry a
surface fi re. Th ere is
good road access with
more than one way in and out. Homes are
constructed of brick and wood composite
roofs with wooden attachments. Th ere is
good defensible space.
Mitigation Strategies:
• Public education (target building
materials and defensible space)
• Fuels reduction: mechanical, hand
clearing
• Code enforcement
Values at Risk:
• 36 homes
• $12,538,680
total value
• 252 acres
47
2. Foxfi re
Moderate Risk
46 points
30° 35’ 47” N
96° 16’ 9” W
Homes are located in and adjacent to 405 acres of
dense oak and yaupon. Th ere are at least two ways in
and out of Foxfi re with “No Outlet” signs posted at
dead-end streets. Road width is at least 24 feet. Homes
are constructed of brick and composite roofs, but some
have open space under decks and porches. Defensible
space needs to be improved. Th ere is a power line and
oil pipeline easement adjacent to the north and east of
Foxfi re.
Mitigation Strategies:
• Public education (target home construction,
defensible space and Ready, Set, Go!)
4. Willow Run
Moderate Risk
41 points
30° 33’ 10” N
96° 18’ 14” W
Primary fuels in this area are 80 acres of pasture land
and tall grasses with some oak stands. Grasses have the
potential to rapidly carry a surface fi re. Th ere is good
road access with more than one way in and out. Homes
are constructed of brick and composite roofs with
wooden attachments. Th ere is good defensible space.
Mitigation Strategies:
• Public education (target home construction and
Ready, Set, Go!)
3. Wood Creek Drive
Moderate Risk
45 points
30° 35’ 24” N
96° 16’ 39” W
Th e predominant fuels are 57 acres of short grasses,
oak and yaupon. Th ere are at least three ways in
and out of this area. Some road signs are low to the
ground and made of wood, meaning they could be
compromised during a fi re. Homes are primarily
brick and composite roofs. Defensible space could be
improved. City fi re hydrants are present.
Mitigation Strategies:
• Public education (target signage, defensible space
and Ready, Set, Go!)
5. Castlegate
Moderate Risk
33 points
30° 32’ 48” N
96° 16’ 37” W
Th e primary risk area in this area is along Victoria
Avenue where 65 acres of dense oak and yaupon is
present. Th ere is good access on the main road into the
subdivision. Homes are built close to each other and
constructed of brick with composite roofs and attached
combustible fences. City fi re hydrants are present.
Mitigation Strategies:
• Public education (target combustible attachments
and Ready, Set, Go!)
48
Response Zone 4
Th ree individual risk assessments were conducted in Response Zone 4, which is covered by Fire Station No. 4 at
1550 George Bush Drive West.
Of the three neighborhoods assessed, one was high risk and two were moderate risk.
Mitigation strategies identifi ed for this response zone include the following:
• Public education
• Fuels reduction
49
1. Highway 60 and Turkey Creek
Road
High Risk
75 points
30° 35’ 51” N
96° 22’ 37” W
Th e primary fuels
in this area are 140
acres of grass, oak
and yaupon. Th ere
are two points of
ingress/egress. Many
homes are made of
combustible materials
and vinyl and have
limited defensible space. Th ere are no fi re
hydrants in this area.
Mitigation Strategies:
• Public education (target defensible
space, construction and Ready, Set,
Go!)
• Fuels reduction: grazing, mechanical
Values at Risk:
• 23 homes
• $4,622,380 total
value
• 108 acres
50
2. Nuclear Science Facility
(Easterwood)
Moderate Risk
41 points
30° 34’ 50” N
96° 21’ 48” W
Th e primary fuels in this area are 610 acres of grasses,
oak and cedar. Th ere is only one way into this facility.
*Special considerations: Radio failure can occur
when keying radios next to certain landing system
equipment.
Mitigation Strategies:
• Ingress/egress plan
3. White Creek Road
Moderate Risk
39 points
Fuels are primarily 610 acres of grass, oak, cedar and
yaupon. Th ere are at least two ways in and out, and
road width is suffi cient for engines to travel and turn
around. Th ere is a mixture of brick and wood homes
with combustible fences attached. Defensible space
could be improved around homes. Th ere are no fi re
hydrants located in this area.
Mitigation Strategies:
• Public education (target defensible space,
combustible attachments and Ready, Set, Go!)
51
Response Zone 5
Nine individual risk assessments were conducted in Response Zone 5, which is covered by Fire Station No. 5 at
1601 William D. Fitch Parkway.
Of the nine neighborhoods assessed, one was extreme risk, two were high risk, four were moderate risk and two
were low risk.
Mitigation strategies identifi ed for this response zone include the following:
• 911 addressing system
• Ingress/egress plan
• Structure protection plan
• Public education
• Hydrant system
• Code enforcement
52
1. Wellborn Oaks
Extreme Risk
92 points
30° 32’ 7” N
96° 17’ 24” W
Th e primary fuels
are 580 acres of
dense grasses, oak
and yaupon. Th ere is
limited road access in
this area and poorly
labeled addresses with
few street signs. Home
construction materials
include a mix of brick
and vinyl with combustible
decks. No fi re hydrants are
present.
Mitigation Strategies:
• 911 addressing and street
signs
• Ingress/egress plan
• Structure protection plan
• Public education (target
defensible space, home
construction and Ready,
Set, Go!)
• Implement hydrant system
• Code enforcement
Values at Risk:
• 25 homes
• $10,768,530
total value
• 84 acres
53
2. Lake Placid
High Risk
67 points
30° 35’ 36” N
96° 15’ 24” W
Fuels in this area
include 500 acres
of dense grasses,
oak, yaupon and
fl oodplain forest
around Lake Placid.
During drought
conditions, there
could be an abundant
fuel source for fi re
in the fl oodplain forest. Th ere is
narrow, limited access with several
dead-end streets. Homes are
constructed of brick and composite
roofs. Defensible space needs
improvement. Th ere is one dry fi re
hydrant in the area.
Mitigation Strategies:
• Ingress/egress plan
• Public education (target
building materials, defensible
space and Ready, Set, Go!)
• Fuels reduction: mechanical,
hand clearing, code
enforcement
Values at Risk:
• 15 homes
• $3,135,300 total
value
• 50 acres
54
3. Whites Creek Lane
High Risk
62 points
30° 32’ 58” N
96° 15’ 57” W
Th e primary fuels are 308 acres of
dense grass, oak and yaupon. Th ere is
narrow, limited access with a dead end
street. Homes on Whites Creek Lane
have the minimum 30 feet of defensible
space, but the road is very narrow
with thick vegetation surrounding it.
Th ere is one primary point of ingress/
egress for the homeowners
with no turnaround for fi re
service access. Homes are
constructed of brick and
composite roofs. Th ree city
hydrants are scheduled to be
installed by late 2013.
Mitigation Strategies:
• Ingress/egress plan
• 911 addressing
• Public education (defensible space and
Ready, Set, Go!)
• Fuels reduction: mechanical, hand
clearing
• Code enforcement
Values at Risk:
• 12 homes
• $2,297,770 total
value
• 21 acres
55
3. Sweetwater
High Risk
61 points
30° 31’ 58” N
96° 16’ 36” W
Homes are made
of brick and stucco
with composite roofs.
Defensible space needs
improvement. Th ere is
one primary point of
ingress/egress for the
subdivision. Primary
fuels are medium to
heavy hardwood litter
and short grasses. Dry hydrants are
present.
Mitigation Strategies:
• Ingress/egress plan
• Public education (defensible space
and Ready, Set, Go!)
• Fuels reduction: mechanical, hand
clearing
• Code enforcement
Values at Risk:
• 168 homes
• $53,050,000
total value
• 470 acres
56
4. Indian Lakes
Moderate Risk
54 points
30° 31’ 32” N
96° 14’ 34” W
Th is is a nature/equestrian area surrounded by 1,100
acres of grasses, oak and yaupon. Th ere is good road
access but there are dead-end streets. Th ere is one
primary point of ingress/egress for the subdivision.
Homes are constructed of brick with metal and
composite roofs. Defensible space needs improvement.
Fire hydrants are limited.
Mitigation Strategies:
• Ingress/egress plan
• Public education (target defensible space and
Ready, Set, Go!)
• Fuels reduction: mechanical, grazing, hand clearing
6. Williams Creek
Moderate Risk
44 points
30° 34’ 34” N
96° 13’ 31” W
Primary fuels include 460 acres of oak, yaupon and
fl oodplain forest in Carter Creek. During drought
conditions, there could be an abundant fuel source for
fi re in the fl oodplain forest. Th ere is good access and at
least three points of ingress/egress. Th e terrain is steep
and homes are at diff erent levels on opposite sides
of the road. Th ere is a green space in Johnson Creek
Loop that could carry fi re. Homes are constructed of
brick and composite/metal roofs. Defensible space
improvements are needed. Wellborn hydrants are
present.
Mitigation Strategies:
• Fuels reduction: mechanical, hand clearing
• Public education (target defensible space and
Ready, Set, Go!)
5. Carter Lake
Moderate Risk
49 points
30° 35’ 33” N
96° 13’ 31” W
Th e primary fuels in this area are 365 acres of oak,
yaupon and fl oodplain forest around Carter Lake.
During drought conditions, there could be an
abundant fuel source for fi re in the fl oodplain forest.
Th ere are two ways in and out of the area, but road
access becomes narrow on the northeast side of the
lake. Homes are constructed of both brick and wood
with composite roofs. Th ere are undeveloped lots, and
defensible space needs improvement. No fi re hydrants
are present.
Mitigation Strategies:
• Fuels reduction: mechanical, hand clearing
• Public education (target defensible space and
Ready, Set, Go!)
7. Nantucket
Moderate Risk
40 points
30° 32’ 41” N
96° 15’ 7” W
Primary fuels are 200 acres of grasses, oak and yaupon.
Th ere are multiple ways in and out of this area but
some dead-end streets. Homes are constructed of brick
and metal and have good defensible space. Hydrants
are present, primarily serving Wellborn, but a few
serve College Station.
Mitigation Strategies:
• Public education (target Ready, Set, Go!)
• Fuels reduction: mechanical, grazing, hand clearing
57
8. Spring Meadows
Low Risk
30 points
30° 33’ 56” N
96° 15’ 15” W
Fuels are 470 acres of oak, yaupon, and fl oodplain
forest. During drought conditions, there could be an
abundant fuel source for fi re in the fl oodplain forest.
Th ere is only one way in and out of the area. Homes
are made of brick and composite roofs with wooden
fences. Th ere are city fi re hydrants and this area is in
close proximity to Fire Station No. 5.
9. Pebble Creek
Low Risk
22 points
30° 33’ 54” N
96° 13’ 28” W
Fuels are primarily oak and yaupon. Th e area is
adjacent to the 515-acre Lick Creek Park. Th e park
is mostly a fl oodplain forest, and during drought
conditions it could be an abundant fuel source for
wildfi re. Th ere is one primary point of access for the
subdivision. Homes are constructed of brick and
composite roofs with combustible fences attached but
have suffi cient defensible space.
58
Response Zone 6
One individual risk assessment was conducted in Response Zone 6, which is covered by Fire Station No. 6 at 610
University Drive East.
Th e assessed neighborhood was moderate risk.
1. Hensel Drive
Moderate Risk
43 points
30° 37’ 43” N
96° 20’ 31” W
Th is area is near Hensel Drive, South Texas Avenue and South College Avenue on Texas A&M University
property. Texas A&M’s horticulture garden, a day care center and Hensel Park are nearby. Th e structures are built
with vinyl siding, metal siding and brick. Th e primary fuels are juniper and oak with an understory of short and
tall grasses and leaf litter. Texas A&M University hydrants are present.
Mitigation Strategies:
• Public education (target defensible space and Ready, Set, Go!)
59
Hazard Rating List
Th e following data was collected from risk assessments for Response Zones 1 through 6.
Response Zone 1:
One high-risk neighborhood
Two moderate-risk neighborhoods
Four low-risk neighborhoods
Response Zone 2:
Two high-risk neighborhoods
Two moderate-risk neighborhoods
One low-risk neighborhood
Response Zone 3:
One high-risk neighborhood
Four moderate-risk neighborhoods
Response Zone 4:
One high-risk neighborhoods
Two moderate-risk neighborhoods
Response Zone 5:
One extreme-risk neighborhood
Two high-risk neighborhoods
Four moderate-risk neighborhoods
Two low-risk neighborhoods
Response Zone 6:
One moderate-risk
neighborhood
City of College Station
general wildfi re risk
Th e City of College Station has a generally
urban environment but there are pockets of
wildland fuels within the city and bordering
the outskirts that pose threats.
Th e most likely areas for wildfi re ignition
will have suffi cient grasses in order to allow
wildfi re to spread.
Th ese threats will most likely come from
outside the city but some pockets within the
city limits also have the potential to ignite and
spread.
60
NEIGHBORHOODSCORERESPONSEZONERISK
ͻʹ
ͷ
Extreme
ͺ
ʹ
High
Ȁ
ͺͶ ʹ
High
ͷ ͳHigh
Ͳ
ͷ ͶHigh
ͷHigh
Ƭ
ʹ ͵High
ͳ ͷHigh
ͷͷ ʹModerate
ͷͶ ͳModerate
ͷͶ ͷModerate
Ͷͻ ͷModerate
Ͷ ͵Moderate
Ͷ ʹModerate
61
NEIGHBORHOODSCORERESPONSEZONERISK
Ͷͷ ͵Moderate
ͶͶ ͷModerate
Ͷ͵ Moderate
Ͷʹ ͳModerate
Ͷͳ ͵Moderate
Ͷͳ ͶModerate
ͶͲ ͷModerate
͵ͻ ͶModerate
͵͵ ͵Moderate
͵ʹ ͳLow
͵Ͳ ͷLow
ʹͻ ͳLow
ʹͺ ʹLow
ʹͷ ͳLow
ʹͷ ͳLow
ʹʹ ͷLow
62
Mitigation Strategies
Public Education
Public education campaigns are designed to heighten community awareness for wildfi re risks. Th ey may be
general and cover the entire city or they may be specifi c and targeted for a certain area or issue (i.e. an awareness
campaign on combustible attachments for a high risk-area). Texas A&M Forest Service has a large selection of
public education materials on Ready, Set, Go!, Firewise Communities, home hardening, fuels management, basic
fi re behavior and Firewise landscaping that can be customized for the City of College Station.
Additional opportunities for public education include:
• Wildfi re Awareness Week (second week of April)
• Fire Prevention Week
• National Night Out (October)
• Fire station tours
• Smoke alarm program
• Fire extinguisher training
• Citizens Fire Academy
• Fire Safety House
• Ready, Set, Go! (or other) town hall meetings with Texas A&M Forest Service
• College Station Fire Department and City of College Station social media sites
• College Station Fire Department web page and City of College Station website
• Targeted outreach with Fire Marshal’s Offi ce to high-risk areas
• Partnerships with local media outlets
Hazardous Fuels Reduction
Fuels reduction projects are intended to clear overgrown vegetation, which can reduce the rate of spread and
intensity of a wildfi re and keep it out of the crowns of trees. In addition, these projects usually provide a safer
environment for fi refi ghters to work and extinguish a fi re. Fuels reduction projects along evacuation routes may
also give evacuees and incoming resources a safer ingress/egress.
Methods of treatment can vary. Treatment options include:
• Mechanical (mulcher, chipper)
• Hand clearing (chainsaws, handsaws)
• Herbicide application
• Prescribed fi re
Some methods may be more eff ective than others, depending on the fuel types. Some methods may also
be preferred when working around neighborhoods. Th e scope of each project will vary, but generally fuels
reduction projects are completed along the border of neighborhoods and/or breaks in fuels (i.e. roads).
Generally, fuels reduction projects are 100 to 200 feet wide depending on the fuel type.
63
Fuels Management Program
By establishing a self-sustaining fuels
management program in the city, the College
Station Fire Department can continuously
identify and mitigate high-risk fuels. Fuels
reduction projects can slow the spread of wildfi re
and create a safer atmosphere for fi refi ghters to
protect structures.
Equipment and training needs should be
identifi ed by the fi re department before a fuels
management program is implemented.
Considering the fuel types in the City of
College Station, mulchers, chippers and
chainsaws would be benefi cial for fuels
reduction. Such equipment could target oak,
cedar and yaupon. Grazing, prescribed fi re and
herbicide treatments would be more benefi cial
in the grass fuel types.
Fuels management crews should invest
time and training in wildfi re behavior, fuels
treatment methods, prescribed fi re and best
management practices. Texas A&M Forest
Service can off er all these courses, either
through one of its wildfi re academies (http://
ticc.tamu.edu/Training/training.htm) or by
contacting a local TFS offi ce.
64
Code Enforcement
Code Enforcement may involve adopting new codes or enforcing previously adopted codes. Th e International
Code Council WUI code is designed to create safer living conditions in the Wildland Urban Interface. Th is
code may give a jurisdiction the opportunity to enforce vegetation management, ignition-resistant construction,
sprinkler systems, storage of combustible materials and land use limitations.
Adopting and enforcing certain parts of the International WUI Code could be benefi cial to the City of College
Station, particularly the sections of code that reference combustible attachments and vegetation management.
High-risk neighborhoods would especially benefi t from this during wildfi re response. Th e goal of these codes is
to develop neighborhoods that are more resilient to wildfi res.
Existing College Station code already addresses some of these issues. For example, the following could help
mitigate potential fi re hazards:
Addressing requirements: Th is ordinance provides addressing requirements for both commercial and residential
properties. All commercial structures shall have street numbers on the face of the building and on any rear door.
Residential properties are required to have numbers on both sides of the mailbox, on the building or on a free
standing structure. (Chapter 12, Article 6)
Open storage: Open storage of commodities and materials for sale, lease, inventory or private use shall not be
permitted in residential areas. (Chapter
7.3 B-9, #2302)
Property maintenance: Occupancy
limitations, garbage and rubbish,
plumbing, mechanical, electrical and
fi re safety maintenance requirements are
examples of violations addressed in this
chapter. Th e property maintenance codes
are adopted from the 2000 International
Property Maintenance Code, referenced
in the Unifi ed Development Ordinance.
(Chapter 12, Article 3.3)
Hazardous materials: Oil or any other
hazardous substances shall be prohibited
from being placed into a residential
container. Motor oil can be properly
disposed of for FREE at the O.R.C. at the
Public Works Department. Oil shall not
be dumped on the ground, according to
Chapter 371 of the Texas Health and Safety Code. (Chapter 11.5 2J)
Weeds and grass: Th is ordinance refers to objectionable or unsightly vegetation including weeds and grass that
exceed 12 inches in height. (Chapter 7.1 C, #2592)
65
Defensible Space
Th e area immediately surrounding a home is critical to its survival in a wildfi re. Th irty feet is the absolute
minimum recommended defensible space zone.
Th e Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) extends to 200 feet from the home. Th e fuel loading and continuity in the HIZ
is a critical part of the risk assessment process and the results should direct defensible space mitigation projects.
Vegetation placement, lawn care and use of fi re-resistant materials (such as rock) will play an important role
during a wildfi re. While home hardening – the practice of making your home fi re-resistant – is important for
everyone, it is especially important for those homeowners who cannot mitigate the entire HIZ.
Th e primary type of mitigation project regarding defensible space is public education.
66
Evacuation Planning
Evacuation plans can be created for high-risk neighborhoods,
especially those with minimal egress routes, large populations or
special populations. Plans should incorporate routes of ingress
for emergency responders.
Emergency management, law enforcement, fi re department,
public works and the mayor’s offi ce may all be involved in the
evacuation process.
General Evacuation Checklist
Planning:
• Determine area(s) at risk:
• Determine population of risk area(s).
• Identify any special needs facilities and populations in
risk area(s).
• Determine evacuation routes for risk area(s) and check the
status of these routes.
• Determine traffi c control requirements for evacuation routes.
• Estimate public transportation requirements and determine
pickup points.
• Determine temporary shelter requirements and select
preferred shelter locations.
Advance Warning:
• Provide advance warning to special needs facilities and
advise them to activate evacuation, transportation and reception arrangements. Determine if requirements
exist for additional support from local government.
• Provide advance warning of possible need for evacuation to the public, clearly identifying areas at risk.
• Develop traffi c control plans and stage traffi c control devices at required locations.
• Coordinate with special needs facilities regarding precautionary evacuation. Identify and alert special needs
populations.
• Ready temporary shelters selected for use.
• Coordinate with transportation providers to ensure vehicles and drivers will be available when and where
needed.
• Coordinate with school districts regarding closure of schools.
Evacuation:
• Advise neighboring jurisdictions and the local Disaster District that evacuation recommendation or order
will be issued.
• Disseminate evacuation recommendation or order to special needs facilities and populations. Provide
assistance in evacuating, if needed.
• Disseminate evacuation recommendation or order to the public through available warning systems, clearly
identifying areas to be evacuated.
• Provide amplifying information to the public through the media. Emergency public information should
address:
• What should be done to secure buildings being evacuated
• What evacuees should take with them
Th e Ready, Set, Go! program, which can be accessed
at texasfi rewise.org, provides information on how to
prepare for wildfi re, stay aware of current conditions
and evacuate early when necessary.
67
• Where evacuees should go and how should they get there
• Provisions for special needs population and those without transportation
• Staff and open temporary shelters.
• Provide traffi c control along evacuation routes and establish procedures for dealing with vehicle breakdowns
on such routes.
• Provide transportation assistance to those who
require it.
• Provide security in or control access to evacuated
areas.
• Provide Situation Reports on evacuation to the local
Disaster District.
Depending on the situation and availability of facilities,
one or more of the following approaches will be used to
handle evacuees arriving with pets:
• Provide pet owners information on nearby kennels,
animal shelters and veterinary clinics that have
agreed to temporarily shelter pets.
• Direct pet owners to a public shelter with covered
exterior corridors or adjacent support buildings
where pets on leashes and in carriers may be
temporarily housed.
• Set up temporary pet shelters at fairgrounds, rodeo
or stock show barns, livestock auctions and other
similar facilities.
Return of Evacuees:
• If evacuated areas have been damaged, reopen
roads, eliminate signifi cant health and safety
hazards and conduct damage assessments.
• Determine requirements for traffi c control for
return of evacuees.
• Determine requirements for and coordinate
provision of transportation for return of evacuees.
• Advise neighboring jurisdictions and local Disaster
District that return of evacuees will begin.
• Advise evacuees through the media that they can
return to their homes and businesses; indicate preferred travel routes.
• Provide traffi c control for return of evacuees.
• Coordinate temporary housing for evacuees who are unable to return to their residences.
• Coordinate with special needs facilities regarding return of evacuees to those facilities.
• If evacuated areas have sustained damage, provide the public information that addresses:
• Documenting damage and making expedient repairs
• Caution in reactivating utilities and damaged appliances
• Cleanup and removal/disposal of debris
• Recovery programs
• Terminate temporary shelter and mass care operations.
• Maintain access controls for areas that cannot be safely reoccupied.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR LIVESTOCK:
• Livestock are sensitive and responsive to wildfi re
anywhere within their sensory range.
• Normal reactions vary from nervousness to panic
to aggressive and resistive escape attempts.
• Livestock oft en are injured or killed by fl eeing
from a wildfi re into fences, barriers and other fi re
risks.
• Once the fl ight syndrome kicks in, it is retained
long aft er the smoke, heat and noise stimuli are
removed.
• Some animal species such as alpacas, llamas and
especially horses become virtually unmanageable
in the face of oncoming wildfi re.
• In situations like this, experienced handlers (as
many as possible), proper equipment and a fi rm
and prompt evacuation approach is needed.
• If time is limited because of fi re ground speed,
open possible escape routes and recapture animals
later.
• In the case of a fast-moving fi re, some landowners
spray paint their phone numbers on the sides of
livestock before setting them free. Others attach
identifi cation tags to animals.
• If you choose to leave a halter on your animal,
consider attaching identifi cation, such as a luggage
tag.
• Firefi ghters may cut fences and open gates if time
and safety concerns allow.
68
In addition to Emergency Facilities (Page 23) and Schools (Pages 26-27), nursing homes also should be
considered when evacuating special populations.
Local nursing homes include:
Arbor on the Brazos
1103 Rock Prairie Road
Bluebonnet House
3901 Victoria Ave.
• 39 beds; emergency power
for 168-plus hours; propane
generator
Th e Waterford at College Station
1103 Rock Prairie Road
• 40 beds; 18 memory care
Fortress Health and Rehab
1105 Rock Prairie Road
• 120 beds; emergency power for 72
hours
Magnifi ed Health and Rehab
1115 Anderson
• 115 beds; emergency power for 24 to 48 hours
Structure Protection Planning
Structure protection planning can involve home assessments or structure triage planning. It can be generalized
for a neighborhood or target a specifi c block of homes that are at a greater risk to wildland fi re. Th e goal is to
have a general plan in place of how homes will be protected (including number of resources needed, access
issues, tactical considerations and defendable/non-defendable list).
Th e Firescope publication Wildland Urban Interface Structure Protection suggests the following tactics may be
implemented aft er a fi re behavior forecast is made and assigned structures are triaged.
Check and Go
“Check and Go” is a rapid evaluation to check for occupants requiring removal or rescue.
Structure Triage Category – Th reatened Non-Defensible
• Th is tactic is most appropriate when there is no Safety Zone or Temporary Refuge Area present and the
forecasted fi re spread, intensity and projected impact time of the fi re front prohibit resources from taking
preparation action to protect the structure.
• Complete a rapid evaluation to check for occupants and evaluate life threat.
• Used when fi re spread, intensity, lack of time or inadequate defensible space prohibit fi refi ghting resources
from safely taking action to protect the home when the fi re front arrives.
• Evaluate the structure for follow-up action when additional resources become available, the fi re front passes
or fi re behavior intensity is reduced.
Special populations to consider for smoke management and evacuation needs include
schools, hospitals and nursing homes.
69
Prep and Go
“Prep and Go” implies that some preparation
of the structure may be safely completed prior
to resources leaving the area.
Structure Triage Category – Th reatened Non-
Defensible
• A tactic used when a Safety Zone and
Temporary Refuge Area are not present
and/or when fi re spread and intensity are
too dangerous to stay in the area when
the fi re front arrives but there is adequate
time to prepare a structure for defense
ahead of the fi re front.
• Utilized for structures where potential
fi re intensity makes it too dangerous for
fi re resources to stay when the fi re front
arrives.
• Th ere is some time to prepare a structure ahead of the fi re; resources should engage in rapid, prioritized fi re
protection preparations and foam the structure prior to leaving.
• Resources should leave with adequate time to avoid the loss of Escape Routes.
• Advise residents to leave and notify supervisors of any residents who choose to stay so that you can follow-up
on their welfare aft er the fi re front passes.
• As with Check and Go, Prep and Go is well suited for engine strike teams and task forces.
Prep and Defend
“Prep and Defend” is a tactic used when a Safety Zone and Temporary Refuge Area are present and adequate time
exists to safely prepare a structure for defense prior to the arrival of the fi re front.
Structure Triage Category – Th reatened Defensible
• An ideal multiple resource tactic especially in common neighborhoods where eff orts may be coordinated
over a wide area. A tactic used when it is possible for fi re resources to stay when the fi re front arrives. Fire
behavior MUST be such that it is safe for fi refi ghters to remain and engage the fi re.
• Adequate escape routes to a safety zone must be identifi ed. A safety zone or Temporary Refuge Area must
exist on site.
• Adequate time must exist to safely prepare the structure for defense prior to the arrival of the fi re front.
Fire Front Following
“Fire Front Following” is a follow-up tactic employed when Check and Go, Prep and Go or Bump and Run tactics
are initially used.
• A tactic used to come in behind the fi re front.
• Th is action is taken when there is insuffi cient time to safely set up ahead of the fi re or the intensity of the fi re
would likely cause injury to personnel located in front of the fi re.
• Th e goal of “Fire Front Following” is to search for victims, control the perimeter, extinguish spot fi res around
structures, control hot spots and reduce ember production.
70
Bump and Run
“Bump and Run” is a tactic
where resources typically move
ahead of the fi re front in the
spotting zone to extinguish spot
fi res and hot spots, and to defend
as many structures as possible.
• Bump and Run may be
eff ective in the early stages
of an incident when the
resource commitment
is light and structure
protection is the priority.
• Bump and Run may be used
on fast-moving incidents
when there are adequate
resources available but
where an eff ort must be
made to control or steer the
head and shoulders of the fi re to a desired end point.
• Perimeter control and structure protection preparation are secondary considerations with the Bump and Run
tactic.
• Resources must remain mobile during Bump and Run and must constantly identify escape routes to Safety
Zones and Temporary Refuge Areas as they move with the fi re front.
• Control lines in front of the fi re should be identifi ed and prepared with dozers and fi re crews enabling the
bump and run resources to direct the fi re to a logical end point. Th is is a frontal attack strategy and a watch
out situation.
Anchor and Hold
“Anchor and Hold” is a tactic utilizing control lines and large water streams from fi xed water supplies in an attempt
to stop fi re spread. Th e goal is to extinguish structure fi res, protect exposures and reduce ember production.
• Anchor and hold can be referred to as taking a stand to stop the progression of the fi re.
• Anchor and hold tactics are more eff ective in urban neighborhoods where the fi re is spreading from house to
house.
• Establishing an anchor and hold line requires considerable planning and eff ort and utilizes both fi xed and
mobile resources.
Tactical Patrol
“Tactical Patrol” is a tactic where the key element is mobility and continuous monitoring of an assigned area.
Tactical Patrol can be initiated either:
• Aft er the main fi re front has passed and fl ames have subsided but when the threat to structures still remains.
• In neighborhoods away from the interface where there is predicted to be signifi cant ember wash and
accumulated ornamental vegetation.
• Vigilance, situational awareness and active suppression actions are a must.
71
Wildland Capacity Building
Capacity building should address training, personal protective equipment and apparatus or equipment needs
within the department. Th is can include National Wildfi re Coordinating Group (NWCG) classes, wildland
engines, dozers, prescribed burning opportunities, etc.
Rural Volunteer Fire Department
Assistance Programs (HB 2604)
The Rural VFD Assistance
Program (2604) provides grants for
qualified fire departments to assist
in the purchase of PPE, equipment
and training. The program is
designed to fund a full spectrum of
cost-share projects and continues
to make a significant impact on
firefighters and communities.
GSA Wildland Fire Program
The Rural VFD Assistance Program
The U.S. General Services
Administration permits non-federal
organizations to purchase wildfire
suppression equipment. The purpose
is to help fire departments acquire
standardized equipment, supplies and
vehicles in support of wildland fire
suppression efforts. Texas A&M
Forest Service provides enrollment
sponsorship.
Firesafe Program
The Firesafe program provides
low-cost wildland and structural
protective clothing, hose, nozzles
and other water-handling
accessories to rural and small
community fire departments.
Fire Department Assistance Programs
VFD Vehicle Liability Insurance
The Texas Volunteer Fire
Department Motor Vehicle Self
Insurance Program (risk pool)
provides low-cost vehicle liability
insurance to qualified volunteer
fire departments.
Rural VFD Insurance Program
The Rural VFD Insurance Program
provides grants to qualified fire
departments to assist in the purchase
of workers’ compensation insurance,
life insurance and disability
insurance for their members.
TIFMAS Grant Assistance Program
The TIFMAS grant assistance
program provides grants to
qualified fire departments
to assist in the purchase of
training, equipment and apparatus.
Helping Hands Program
The Helping Hands Program
provides liability relief
to industry, businesses, cities and
others to donate surplus
fire and emergency equipment.
Texas A&M Forest Service then
distributes it to departments
around the state.
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Property Program (FPP)
In partnership with the Department
of Defense, Texas A&M Forest Service
administers the Firefighter Property
Program (FFP), which provides
excess military property to
emergency service providers.
Fire Quench Program
Fire Quench is a Class A Foam
distributed to Texas A&M Forest
Service offices throughout the state
and made available for sale to local
fire departments. Fire Quench is
sold in 55-gallon drums
and 5-gallon pails.
http://texasfd.com
72
Training
Th e College Station Fire Department is
highly motivated to invest in wildland
training and equipment so fi refi ghters
can respond to wildland incidents in
the safest and most effi cient manner.
Th e NWCG typically sets standards
for wildland fi refi ghting, but Texas fi re
departments must meet certain criteria
to participate in the Texas Intrastate
Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS).
73
Training Recommendations
74
75
Recommended Training
Th e NWCG requires fi refi ghters to complete classes alongside position-specifi c task books. Th e task books
outline specifi c assignments required to be completed by the trainee. Th e trainee is evaluated by a qualifi ed
trainer on wildland incidents. Once the trainee completes the task and gains experience on wildland incidents,
the task book is completed and the individual is qualifi ed to respond in that capacity. NWCG task books can be
found at: http://www.nwcg.gov/pms/taskbook/taskbook.htm
Th e following is a list of recommended training for the College Station Fire Department:
S-130/190 (includes L-180 and I-100) – Basic Firefi ghter/Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior
S-131 – Firefi ghter Type 1
S-133 – Look Up, Look Down, Look Around
L-280 – Followership to Leadership
S-215 – Fire Operations in the Wildland Urban Interface
S-290 – Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior
S-200 – Initial Attack Commander (ICT4)
S-234 – Ignitions Operations
S-230 – Crew Boss (Single Resource)
S-330 – Task Force/Strike Team Leader
O-305 – All-Hazard Incident Management Team Training
Texas wildfi re academy class schedules can be found at http://ticc.tamu.edu/Training/TrainingMain.htm
76
Wildland engine types are described below.
Type 3 — An engine that features a high-volume and high-pressure
pump. Th e Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is generally greater
than 20,000 pounds.
Type 4 — A heavy engine with large water capacity. Chassis GVWR is in
excess of 26,000 pounds.
Type 5 — Normally an initial attack engine on a medium duty chassis.
GVWR of the chassis is in the 16,000 to 26,000 pound range.
Type 6 — Normally an initial attack engine on a medium duty chassis.
GVWR of the chassis is in the 9,000 to 16,000 pound range.
Type 7 — A light duty vehicle usually on a 6,500 to 10,000 pound
GVWR chassis. Th e vehicle has a small pump and is a multipurpose
unit used for patrol, mop up or initial attack.
Source: U.S. Forest Service Wildland Fire Engine Guide
Type 3 engine
Type 6 engine
77
Recommended Equipment
College Station Fire Department works closely with Brazos County resources to suppress wildfi res. College
Station Fire Department currently has one Type 6 engine that has been and will continue to be eff ective.
However, it would be benefi cial for CSFD to invest in a Type 3 or an additional Type 6 engine. Th is would give
the department an additional asset in case county resources are not available.
Recommended Protective
Equipment
• Nomex coveralls
• Nomex pants (should be made
of fl ame-resistant Aramid
cloth)
• Nomex shirt (should be made
of fl ame-resistant Aramid
cloth)
• Nomex jacket (should be made
of fl ame-resistant Aramid
cloth)
• Wildland gloves
• Wildland hardhat
• Eye protection
• Ear/neck/face protectors
Source: U.S. General Services Administration
• Fire shelter
• Wildland fi re pack
• Chainsaw chaps
Wildland Firefi ghting Tools
78
Engines
Smaller than a typical municipal fi re engine, wildland fi re engines are specially-designed to handle remote, off -
road areas and diffi cult terrain. Th e trucks carry 50 to 800 gallons of water, as well as a complement of hand tools
and hoses. Generally, they’re staff ed by a crew of two to fi ve wildland fi refi ghters.
Heavy Equipment
Bulldozers fi tted with safety cages are critical tools for containing wildfi res. Large, commercial bulldozers oft en
are used on the open plains in South and West Texas, while smaller tractor-plow units are more common in
forested areas in Central and East Texas. Both
dozers and tractor plows are used to put a
control line — oft en called a fi re line or fi re
break — around the fl ames. Doing so removes
all the vegetation, or fuel, that would spread the
fi re.
Water Tenders
Because wildland fi refi ghters don’t have access
to fi re hydrants, they must bring the water they
need with them.
Tenders are capable of ferrying large quantities
of water — up to 5,000 gallons — to fi re engines
working on the fi reline, allowing crews to fi ght
the fi re without stopping. When empty, these
water-shuttling trucks can return to a nearby city or town where hydrants are available or they can draft from a
lake, pond or stream in the area.
Hand Crews
A hand crew consists of highly-skilled wildland fi refi ghters who use hand tools and chainsaws to clear the
vegetation in front of an advancing fi re. Th ese crews are used in areas where heavy equipment can’t go, such as
remote areas with rugged terrain. Generally, there are about 20 people on the crew, though that number can vary
slightly.
Aircraft
Firefi ghting aircraft are a valuable tool for
wildland fi refi ghters. Th e specially-equipped
helicopters and airplanes can be used to
drop water or fi re retardant, but they don’t
always extinguish the fi re. Helicopters oft en
drop water, which can help put out a blaze.
Air tankers, however, oft en drop retardant,
a move that slows down the spread of fl ames
and cools off the surrounding area, allowing
ground crews to get closer and make more
progress in containing the fi re.
79
Mitigation Funding Sources
FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
Th e Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) provides grants to states and local governments to implement
long-term hazard mitigation measures aft er a major disaster declaration. Th e purpose of the HMGP is to reduce
the loss of life and property due to natural disasters and to enable mitigation measures to be implemented during
the immediate recovery from a disaster. Th e HMGP is authorized under Section 404 of the Robert T. Staff ord
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.
http://www.fema.gov/hazard-mitigation-grant-program
Texas A&M Forest Service – Integrated Hazardous Fuels Program
(Mitigation and Prevention Department)
One of the tools in hazard reduction eff orts is the removal of heavy vegetation growth under controlled
conditions to reduce the fuels available for future wildfi res. Vegetation is generally removed using mechanical
methods – such as mulching or chipping – or prescribed (controlled) fi res under manageable conditions. Th e
local TFS offi ce can provide assistance in determining the best treatment methods for the area.
http://texasforestservice.tamu.edu/main/article.aspx?id=8510
Texas A&M Forest Service Capacity Building
Texas A&M Forest Service provides eligible fi re departments with programs designed to enhance their ability to
protect the public and fi re service personnel from fi re and related hazards. Ten highly successful programs are
currently administered to help fi re departments discover and achieve their potential. Citizens are better served
by well-trained and equipped fi re department personnel.
http://texasfd.com
Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System
Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS)
is maintained by Texas A&M Forest Service. Th e
program includes training, qualifi cation and
mobilization systems to make statewide use of
local resources. Th e program was fi rst used during
Hurricane Ike, and has since been used in response
to the Presidio fl ooding, the April 9, 2009, wildfi re
outbreak in North Texas, Hurricane Alex and the
2011 wildfi re season. Th e system was successful in
all incidents.
TIFMAS, a product of Senate Bill 11 enacted
in 2007, does not require departments to send
resources to incidents. It is a voluntary process.
During the 2011 wildfi re season, TIFMAS
mobilized 13 times with a total of 207 departments,
1,274 fi refi ghters and 329 engines.
http://texasforestservice.tamu.edu/main/article.aspx?id=9216
80
Appendix
Th is section can be used for supplemental materials and resources that will be useful to emergency
responders and members of the working group.
* CWPP Leader’s Guide ............................................................................................................................................ 81
* Glossary ................................................................................................................................................................... 82
* Contact List ....................................................................................................................................................... 83-84
* Implementation Progress Checklist ..................................................................................................................... 85
* City of College Station Proclamation .................................................................................................................. 86
* References ................................................................................................................................................................ 87
81
Source: Texas A&M Forest Service
Community Wildfi re Protection Plan Leader’s Guide
Download A Leader’s Guide to Developing
Community Wildfi re Protection Plans at
texasfi rewise.org
82
Community Emergency Operations Center (CEOC) - A multi-jurisdictional facility that offi ces Brazos County, City of
Bryan, City of College Station and Texas A&M University emergency management personnel.
Defensible space — Th e area immediately encircling a home and its attachments.
Extended attack — Suppression activity for a wildfi re that has not been contained or controlled by initial attack or
contingency forces and for which more fi refi ghting resources are arriving, en route or being ordered by the initial
attack incident commander. (National Wildfi re Coordinating Group defi nition)
Fuel loading — Th e amount of fuel present expressed quantitatively in terms of weight of fuel per unit area. Th is may
be available fuel (consumable fuel) or total fuel and is usually dry weight. (National Wildfi re Coordinating Group
defi nition)
Healthy Forests Restoration Act — Signed into law in 2003, this act authorizes Community Wildfi re Protection Plans
as a tool to reduce hazardous fuels and maintain healthy forests.
Home hardening — Retrofi tting process that reduces a home’s risk to wildfi re. Th is involves using non-combustible
building materials and keeping the area around your home free of debris.
Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) — An area of up to 200 feet immediately surrounding a home.
Incident Action Plan (IAP) — Contains objectives refl ecting the overall incident strategy, specifi c tactical actions and
supporting information for the next operational period. When written, the plan may have a number of attachments,
including incident objectives, organization assignment list, division assignment, incident radio communication plan,
medical plan, traffi c plan, safety plan and incident map. (National Wildfi re Coordinating Group defi nition)
Incident Command System (ICS) - A standardized on-scene emergency management concept specifi cally designed
to allow its user(s) to adopt an integrated organizational structure equal to the complexity and demands of single
or multiple incidents, without being hindered by jurisdictional boundaries. (National Wildfi re Coordinating Group
defi nition)
Initial attack — Fire that is generally contained by the attack units fi rst dispatched, without a signifi cant augmentation
of reinforcements, and full control is expected within the fi rst burning period. (National Wildfi re Coordinating Group
defi nition)
Mitigation Action Plan — A document that outlines a procedure for mitigating adverse environmental impacts.
Pre-Attack Plan — A resource for fi rst responders that includes information specifi c to the community where an
incident is taking place. Pre-Attack Plans may include possible Incident Command Post locations, shelter locations,
radio frequencies, maps, high-risk areas and contingency plans.
Structural ignitability — A home’s design, construction materials and immediate surroundings are factors that
contribute to how easily a home will ignite when wildfi re threatens.
Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) — Areas where human habitation and development meet or are intermixed with
wildland fuels (vegetation).
Glossary
83
Contact List
District Coordinator, Texas Department of Public Safety,
Division of Emergency Management
979-412-0003
Texas A&M Forest Service contacts:
Regional Fire Coordinator
200 Technology Way, Suite 1162
College Station, TX 77845-3424
979-458-6507
Assistant Chief Regional Fire Coordinator
700 South Reynolds Street
La Grange, Texas 78945
979-968-5555
LaGrange Dispatch
979-968-5555
Homeowners’ Associations:
84
1. Amberlake
2. Angelina/Augustine (Bee Creek)
3. Bee Creek
4. Brandon Heights
5. Bridle Gate Estates
6. Camelot
7. Carter Lake
8. Castlegate
9. Castlerock
10. Chadwick
11. Chimney Hill
12. College Hills
13. College Hills Estates
14. College Hills Woodlands
15. Cove of Nantucket
16. Devonshire
17. Dove Crossing
18. Edelweiss
19. Edelweiss Estates
20. Edelweiss Gartens
21. Emerald Forest
22. Foxfi re
23. Gardens at Castlegate
24. Lawyer Street
25. Lincoln
26. Lincoln Center
27. Louise Street
28. Nantucket Preservation Association
29. Northgate Business Association
30. Northgate District Association
31. Oakwood
32. Pebble Creek
33. Pebble Creek Garden
34. Pebble Creek Patio
35. Pershing Place
36. Post Oak Forest
37. Post Oak Forest
38. Raintree
39. Reatta Meadows
40. Regency South
41. Sandstone
42. Shadowcrest
43. Sonoma
44. South Hampton
45. Southern Plantation
46. Southwood Forest
47. Southwood Valley
48. Spring Creek Townhomes
49. Spring Meadow
50. Springbrook
51. Stone Forest
52. Stonebridge
53. Stonebridge Court
54. Summerglen Drive/Glen Haven
55. Sun Meadows
56. Southwood Valley
57. Terrace Pines Tenants Assoc. (1)
58. Terrace Pines Tenants Assoc (2)
59. Th e Barracks
60. Th e Knoll
61. University Preserve
62. Villas of Chimney Hill
63. Westfi eld Village
64. Williams Court
65. Wilshire
66. Windwood
67. Wolf Pen Creek
68. Woodland Hills
College Station Homeowner/Neighborhood Associations
85
Implementation Progress Checklist
Mitigation Strategies Completed (√) Date
Zone 1
Code enforcement
Fuels reduction
Public education
Zone 2
Code enforcement
Fuels reduction
Hydrant system
Ingress/egress plan
Public education
Zone 3
Code enforcement
Fuels reduction
Public education
Zone 4
Fuels reduction
Public education
Zone 5
911 addressing system
Code enforcement
Hydrant system
Ingress/egress plan
Public education
Structure protection plan
Zone 6
Public education
86
87
Melanie Spradling Luke Kanclerz
Texas A&M Forest Service Texas A&M Forest Service
Fire Chief R.B. Alley III (Ret.)
Fire Chief Eric Hurt
Assistant Chief Jon Mies
Battalion Chief Joe Warren
Captain Tim Hamff
Captain Mike Ruesink
Driver / Engineer Andrea Ferrell
Public Information Offi cer Bart Humphreys
Emergency Management Coordinator Brian Hilton
Public Education Offi cer Christina Seidel
Training Coordinator Billy Bradshaw
Fire Behavior Analyst Brad Smith
Communications Specialist April Saginor
Writers
Contributors
References
Brazos County Interjurisdictional Emergency Management
Plan
http://www.bcdem.org/emergencyManagementPlan.php
City of College Station Comprehensive Plan
http://cstx.gov/Index.aspx?page=2471
College Station Code of Ordinances
http://cstx.gov/Index.aspx?page=513
College Station Independent School District
http://www.csisd.org/
Firescope: Wildland Urban Interface Structure Protection
http://www.fi rescope.org/ics-guides-and-terms/WUI-SP.
pdf
National Wildfi re Coordinating Group
http://www.nwcg.gov/
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
http://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/
Texas A&M Forest Service Capacity Building
http://texasfd.com
Texas A&M Forest Service Predictive Services
http://ticc.tamu.edu/PredictiveServices/
predictiveservices.htm
Texas A&M University
http://www.tamu.edu
Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System business manual
http://ticc.tamu.edu/Documents/IncidentResponse/
TIFMAS/TIFMAS_Business_Deployment_Manual.pdf
Texas Fire Response Handbook
http://ticc.tamu.edu
Texas Wildfi re Risk Assessment Portal
http://www.texaswildfi rerisk.com/
U.S. Forest Service Wildland Fire Engine Guide
http://www.fs.fed.us/eng/pubs/pdf/00511203.pdf
Th e Weather Channel
http://www.weather.com/
1101 Texas Ave
College Station, TX 77840College Station, TX
Legislation Details (With Text)
File #: Version:114-549 Name:2015 Bond Citizen Advisory Committee
Status:Type:Presentation Agenda Ready
File created:In control:6/24/2014 Council Workshop
On agenda:Final action:7/24/2014
Title:Presentation, possible action, and discussion regarding creation of a 2015 Bond Citizen Advisory
Committee (CAC).
Sponsors:Chris Jarmon
Indexes:2015 Bond
Code sections:
Attachments:
Action ByDate Action ResultVer.
Presentation, possible action, and discussion regarding creation of a 2015 Bond Citizen Advisory
Committee (CAC).
Relationship to Strategic Goals: (Select all that apply)
··Good Governance
··Core Services and Infrastructure
··Improving Mobility
Recommendation(s): Staff recommends that Council provide feedback on the Citizen Advisory
Committee (CAC). Based on Council's feedback, staff will bring back a resolution recommending
creation of the committee. No action will be taken at this time.
Summary:
On June 12, 2014, the Deputy City Manager presented a timeline to Council related to the 2015 bond
election. Part of that timeline included the creation and appointment of a Citizen Advisory Committee.
This presentation will make recommendations on the following:
1. Creation of the committee (by resolution)
2. Setting the committee charge
3. Setting the size of the committee
4. Providing for the sunsetting of the committee
Individuals interested in serving on the CAC are to submit an application for consideration. Council
will select members from applications staff receives.
Budget & Financial Summary: n/a
College Station, TX Printed on 7/18/2014Page 1 of 2
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File #:14-549,Version:1
Attachments: n/a
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