Firebreaks and fuel breaks

Control Measure Knowledge

A firebreak can be implemented to present an obstacle to the spread of fire; this tactic can be useful in waste, roof (particularly thatch) and wildfires. If a firebreak is to be effective, it should be a sufficient distance from the fire to ensure that the break can be completed before the fire reaches that point. A firebreak can be complemented by using extinguishing media to further resist the spread of fire in a particular direction.

A fuel break is an existing, planned change or discontinuity in fuel that will reduce the likelihood of combustion, fire intensity and/or the rate of firespread.

In preventing firespread, the position of separating walls and other firebreaks that could help with checking the spread of fire should be considered. In modern buildings with fire-resisting floors, horizontal fire travel is more usual, while in older buildings the spread of fire tends to be in a more vertical direction.

Also refer to Wildfires and Environmental protection

Strategic Actions

Tactical Actions