Safety Fact Sheet
SFS-Tree Hazards
Knowledge Base Filename – SFS.01.08-v8.0.docx
Subject
Safety Fact Sheet - Tree Hazards
Overview
Tree hazards are a major risk to firefighters and responders.
All reasonable steps must be taken to protect firefighters and responders from tree hazards.
Sometimes the greatest risk on a fire ground isn’t the fire itself, but tree hazards that can potentially
cause serious injury and death.
Some areas already have unacceptable tree hazards due to previous fire or other causes, such as
fire killed mountain ash trees.
Tree hazards are a risk at all stages of operations, from active suppression, mopping up and patrol
through to recovery.
Everyone plays a role in managing tree hazards.
Scope
From December 2014 JSOP 8.03 applies wherever there are trees, in forest, rural and urban areas.
In each of these areas there is an element of tree hazard that is increased due to fire.
Only trees that are affected by fire require a tree hazard assessment. However, awareness of the
risks from trees should always be maintained.
For VICSES Operations, VICSES SOP 19 must be referenced.
References
Hazardous Trees - Mapped Areas by ICC
Hazardous Trees - Brochure (CFA) - Under review … to be updated
Hazardous Trees - Brochure (DELWP) - Under review … to be updated
Hazardous Tree Management - Pictorial Guide (DELWP)
Initial Response in Very High Tree Hazard- Work Instruction (20-WI- 4.4.1.3)
Initial Response in Very High Tree Hazard – Considerations (20-Checklist- 4.4.1.4)
Hazardous Trees - Poster
Tree Hazard Mitigation Matrix
J08.03 – Tree Hazard - Bushfire Response
Video (Tree Hazard – Joint Standard Operating Procedure)
NOTE:
JSOP 8.03 was developed as part of the Common Doctrine Project. Common Doctrine provides
agencies with source information for use in communications within and across agencies.
What is a Tree Hazard?
A hazardous tree is “a tree or branch which in its current state may in part or wholly fall and may impact personnel in
its potential impact zone (but is not likely to do so during the expected time frame of the current operation).
Clear and Present Danger trees (CPD) is defined as “A tree or branch that is likely to fall within the expected time
frame of the current operation and may impact personnel in its potential impact zone”.
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Safety Fact Sheet
SFS-Tree Hazards
JSOP Overview
Hazard Tree systems (including Tree Hazard – Bushfire Response SOP J8.03) are important in improving the way we
manage the hazard.
The key focus of the JSOP is to ensure tree hazards are considered for:

Responder safety during access to fires

On the fire ground during initial response

After the passage of fire and upon the completion of operations.
The JSOP ensures;

A common approach to tree hazards, critical to ensure safety on the fire ground

A common approach to identification / assessment, marking and treatment system

A consistent approach across all levels of fires. Assistance is available from partner agencies if required.
Safety Information / Message
Tree Hazards / Falling Trees and Limbs
With the impact of fire and the associated strong winds, there is a risk that fire affected trees will fall and drop limbs.
Ongoing assessment of areas of operation is required.
1.
Safety from tree hazards during fire emergencies will take priority over other considerations (such as
conservation and biological values), consistent with the State Control Priorities.
When in doubt the decision is to favour safety.
2.
Incident Controllers are to ensure:


3.
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That known areas of high tree hazard are identified and assessed:

Along the routes used to enter and leave the fire ground, and

When developing the Incident Action Plan, considering deployment orders and safety
messaging
Responders are not despatched to/through known areas of unacceptable tree hazard
Potential dangers may include

Falling branches and trees

Burning or fire damaged trees

Dead or fire damaged trees on slopes where they may spear downhill

Loose tree branches

Power lines damaged by falling trees

Trees that may be rendered unstable when using machinery and equipment nearby.
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Safety Fact Sheet
SFS-Tree Hazards
4.
If a hazardous tree is identified, crews must withdraw to safety and consider the following safety actions.

Check trees and canopy before parking

Remember that trees may fall uphill as well as downhill

Check for soil movement at the base which indicates the tree is moving

Always look up, check for hanging, broken, or dead branches and burning trees

Maintain exclusion zones where caution tape is visible across tracks or on trees, 2 tree lengths.

Check for fire ash at the tree base which indicates structural roots are burnt or weakened

Establish and maintain communication about wind conditions

Continuously apply the Dynamic Risk Assessment (DRA) process

Follow the hazardous tree marking system in JSOP J8.03:
A crew member could be appointed to lookout and monitor the safety of crews operating near trees.
5.
Where A Hazardous Tree Is Identified,
Crews must NOT:

Enter an exclusion zone marked with black and yellow tape or where trees are marked in yellow paint
with a large K or X, or strips of caution tape, unless appropriately qualified and to remove tree(s).

Park vehicles within two (2) tree lengths of identified hazardous trees

Treat or mark hazardous trees without appropriate qualifications and equipment (See JSOP J8.03)

Enter a fire affected area without appropriate qualifications unless accompanied by a qualified person.
Crews MUST:

Exclude personnel from the area around assessed CPD trees (“K” Trees).

Remove Hazardous (“X” Trees) and Clear and Present Danger Trees (“K” Trees) before handing the
fire area back to ‘normal management’, OR

Highlight any tree hazards we may not have been able to remove
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Has This Joint Standard Operating Procedure Been Developed?
Tree hazards are a major risk to firefighters and other responders, and tree hazard assessment, marking and
treatment system has been an integral part bushfire response for many years.
The JSOP was developed in December 2014 to ensure a common approach to tree hazard critical to ensure safety in
the response area.
Has The Tree Hazard Spray Paint Marking System Changed?
No.
However, the tree hazard definitions are clearer and more stringent, so more trees may be marked.
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Safety Fact Sheet
SFS-Tree Hazards
Exclusion Zone Marking System
Has The Exclusion Zone Marking System Changed For Clear And Present Danger Trees (“K”)?
While yellow and black tape is still used to mark an exclusion zone, the JSOP requires an unambiguous exclusion
zone which can be readily identified by anyone accessing the control line.
The exclusion zone is marked with yellow and black tape tied around a tree or trees at the perimeter of the exclusion
zone on the approach to the “K” tree.
No one should enter the exclusion zone unless they are tasked to assess/treat the risk.
NOTE:
The one hoop / two hoop tape system no longer applies.
The exclusion zone is generally two tree lengths, but may be larger, in some cases smaller due to the specific risk of a
“K” tree.
Example 1
A “K” tree that will clearly fall away from a road or work area can have a smaller exclusion zone on the side the tree
will fall away from.
Example 2
A “K” tree with a limb that will fall straight down can have a smaller exclusion zone that protects responders from the
impact zone.
Example 3
A “K” tree in steep terrain that is (e.g. 3 tree lengths) up slope from a control line and is likely to ‘spear’ downhill
if/when it falls, will require an exclusion zone that includes the control line and any potential work area downslope that
will clearly exceed the two tree lengths.
Can I Drive Through An Exclusion Zone If It Crosses The Road/Track/Control Line?
No.
The area within the exclusion zone is not to be entered.
Personnel wanting to access the area must either wait until the hazard has been safely treated/removed or find other
means of access outside the exclusion zone.
In exceptional circumstances (eg. where life is under threat) Dynamic Risk Assessment (DRA) should be applied.
Who Can Identify Clear And Present Danger Trees (“K”)?
All responders can identify Clear and Present Danger Trees (“K”) through dynamic risk assessment.
As a minimum an exclusion zone should be established and the location of an identified Clear and Present Danger
Tree (“K”) reported to your supervisor. “K” should only be spray painted when they are assessed as being safe
enough to approach.
Experienced or qualified staff should be tasked to formally assess, mark and treat the identified “K” tree.
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Safety Fact Sheet
SFS-Tree Hazards
Who Can Conduct Tree Hazard Assessments?
Qualified OR experienced personnel can carry out a tree hazard assessments.
Qualification:
Tree Faller with formal timber industry endorsement as a faller in native forest
Arborist (with Basic Wildfire Awareness OR Maintain Safety at an Incident Scene Unit of Competency OR
accompanied by someone with this training).
Experience:
Operations Officer or Crew Leader with extensive experience in forest firefighting and/or forest harvesting.
Responder with extensive experience in suppression/ forest firefighting activities involving similar assessment of tree
soundness.
What Is The Difference Between Identification and Assessment Of Tree Hazard?
Identification of tree hazard must be undertaken by all responders as part of ongoing dynamic risk assessment.
The Hazardous Tree Pictorial Guide gives examples that provide responders with an awareness of the tree hazard
types so they can identify these risks.
Assessment is a more formal process that is only undertaken by experienced responders with the appropriate skills.
Assessment will determine the degree of risk and the appropriate treatment.
Using a minor car accident as a comparative example it is relatively easy for anyone to identify damage to a car, but
an experienced mechanic is required to assess the degree of the damage, whether it is still safe to drive and
determine the appropriate way to fix it.
Are Mapped Areas of Tree Hazard Available?
Mapped areas of known or likely high tree hazard are available at:
http://files.delwp.em.vic.gov.au/Maps-TreeHaz/EMV-Maps-TreeHazard.htm
Is Tree Hazard Assessor Training Available?
Identification of tree hazard is provided in introductory firefighting training.
There is no formal course for tree hazard assessment at this stage.
We rely on appropriately, qualified or experienced personnel described in the JSOP to carry out a hazard tree
assessment.
This does not preclude any other personnel from identifying a hazard tree and treating it appropriately (e.g. exclusion).
Mopping Up, Blacking Out Or Patrol
Can Mopping Up, Blacking Out Or Patrol Commence Before Tree Hazard Has Been Assessed?
No.
This type of work after the passage of fire is not permitted until a tree hazard assessment has been conducted.
In exceptional circumstances where this requirement is impracticable, the Incident Controller must approve and record
risk mitigation actions.
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Safety Fact Sheet
SFS-Tree Hazards
Work in the Impact Zone
Can Responders Work in the Impact Zone of a Hazardous Tree (“X”) or Clear and Present Danger Tree (“K”)?
Hazardous Tree (“X”):
Dynamic risk assessment should be used to assess the safety of working in the impact zone of a hazardous tree (“X”).
Clear And Present Danger Tree (“K”):
No responders should enter the exclusion zone of a Clear and Present Danger Tree (“K”) unless they are tasked with
assessing and treating the risk and appropriately skilled to do so.
Tree Hazard Assessment
We Don’t Have Responders With Sufficient Experience To Conduct A Tree Hazard Assessment After The
Passage Of Fire. What Should We Do?
Advise your supervisor of the situation. Your supervisor is responsible for making arrangements to access the
appropriate resources through the chain of command.
Does This Procedure In The JSOP Also Apply To Planned Burning?
Joint arrangements for planned burning is still in development.
The tree hazard categories and marking will be the same.
However, as there is no first attack phase and the operation is fully planned, ignition must be preceded by a full
hazard tree assessment and treatment during burn preparation.
IMT Briefings – Summary Points
Tree Hazards – SFS 1.08

Any tree can be potentially hazardous, particularly if subjected to prolonged drought conditions or affected by fire.

Where a hazardous tree is identified, crews must withdraw to a safe area and consider hazard mitigation
strategies.
NOTE:
For further information call (03) 9032-3600 or email [email protected].
A signed copy of this document is held at SCC Records.
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Safety Fact Sheet
SFS-Tree Hazards
Revision History
Topic No
SFS.01.08
Topic Name
Tree Hazards
Procedure Owner
Emergency Management Commissioner
Remote Copies
None
Revision Date
Amendment Detail
14/02/2017
Tree Hazard Mitigation Matrix added to References - John Simmons for John Towt.
20/01/2016
Tree Hazard brochures removed while under review … Barry Harkin for Rory McKenzie.
Hazardous Trees - Brochure (CFA) - Under review … to be updated
Hazardous Trees - Brochure (DELWP) - Under review … to be updated
27/10/2015
Added link to mapped areas of tree hazard … Barry Harkin.
05/06/2015
Changes from the Common Doctrine Project … Barry Harkin.
28/12/2014
Changes as provided by Graeme Dudley |Safety Manager | DEPI … Barry Harkin
18/08/2014
Changes in line with transition to EMV … Barry Harkin
Addition of “IMT Briefing – Summary Points”.
18/03/2014
Added references to Hazardous Tree Management guide and brochure … Barry Harkin.
31/12/2013
Incorporated Safety graphic … Barry Harkin.
06/08/2013
Amendments following agency feedback
30/06/2013
Re-drafted in new format.
19/02/2013
This Safety Fact Sheet has been approved and issued from the State Controller
End of Topic
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limited to, photocopy, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the prior written
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