Communications during Fire Control and Suppression

Good communications are essential for carrying out fire management activities, whether in conducting fire suppression operations or in establishing two-way dialogues with the public (Omi, In Press). The Incident Command System (ICS) is similar in style to a paramilitary organization, with a unified command and control structure that requires a good communications infrastructure. An effective system requires that orders given by supervisors must be clearly understood and carried out. Communication failures are often at the root of mistakes, such as crew not knowing escape routes to safety zones.  In the worst cases, ineffective communication systems can lead to chaos and fatalities. Fortunately, the Incident Command System adopted by many fire suppression agencies was developed to facilitate improved communications by adoption of standard terminology and chain of command.

Specialized positions (e.g., Fire Information Officer) are created within the fire organization to provide media updates and communication with interested publics. Other positions may be established to interact with local communities in contending with emergency evacuations, road closures, disruptions in local commerce, the trauma of fatalities, and personal/property losses. Individuals receive specialized training to hold these positions, and must have strong oral and written communication skills, as well as general backgrounds in fire management, fire ecology, and related subject areas.

Radio communication

Communications on a fire requires skilled personnel to manage dedicated and general use radio frequencies. Different radio bands may be used for internal communications among crew, tractors, or other single resources (tactical net), between the crew supervisor and overhead teams (command net), and between the ground and aerial operations (air-ground net).  Special care is required that radio frequencies are compatible, especially if resources such as fire engines and airplanes are brought in from other localities. Air traffic can reach high volumes during an ongoing incident. Trained technicians assure that communications networks are set up to work as efficiently as possible under stressful conditions, while not conflicting with the radio frequencies of local infrastructure.

Interagency communication

The various fire jurisdictions and organizations must communicate effectively. Effective communication between supervisors and among subordinates is especially important, because of the paramilitary fire organization structure and since crew rely upon each other for safety and support. Liaison positions are also important with the increasing use of non-English speakers and non-governmental workers on the firelines.