Southern California presents one of the world’s most perilous natural wildland fuel environments, coupled with the potential for explosive fire weather. Active fire conditions may persist throughout the year, contingent on rainfall levels and other weather dynamics. Historically, the largest fires in the region tend to occur during the fall months, occasionally extending into early winter. Extended dry spells can swiftly escalate the area into critical fire conditions at any time of the year. It’s crucial to minimize the risk of wildland fire ignition posed by utility facilities, equipment, and construction activities to the greatest extent feasible.
The Fire Risk & Mitigation Matrix ESP (Electric Standard Practice) 113.1 is designed to blend the fire risk associated with a specific work activity and the fire potential index for the day. This will establish the minimum fire prevention measures required for the activity to be conducted in wildland areas. The fire potential is determined by the daily Fire Potential Index.
What the Fire Risk & Mitigation Matrix ESP 113.1 does:
- Assists in understanding of fire prevention.
- Sets standards for tools and equipment to be present at work sites.
- Incorporates governmental requirements to provide compliance.
- Provides a wildland fire risk and mitigation matrix based on work activity within Fire Potential
- Sets Index (FPI) or Project Activity Level (PAL) area minimums for fire prevention and suppression tools.
- Defines restrictions mandated by “Red Flag Warnings,” and other unique fire danger scenarios.
- Provides the means for determining when and where these restrictions are in effect, and what activities they prohibit.
- Establishes communication standards for reporting fires.
- Provides guidance to identify when a Construction project specific “Fire Plan” is required.
- References General Fire Prevention and Fire Safety considerations that will be used in all activities.
The Matrix can be found in SDGE ESP 113.1 pages 7-12. Click here to review full document.
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How Does Patriot General Help?
The Patriot General Fire Crew was established to mitigate and safeguard active construction sites within our region against the threat of these wildland fires. Recognizing the vulnerability of construction sites to fire hazards, particularly in Southern California’s volatile environment, Patriot General stepped up to fill a need. Our fire crews consist of highly trained personnel incorporating advanced firefighting prevention techniques and are equipped with industry standard equipment. The Patriot General Fire Crew operates with a singular focus: to proactively prevent and respond to potential fire incidents at construction sites. Through strategic planning, constant vigilance, and rapid response capabilities, they serve as a crucial line of defense, ensuring the safety of both workers and surrounding communities amidst the ever-present risk of wildfires.
We do this by establishing both “Designated” and “Dedicated” Fire Patrol personnel at our jobsites.
DESIGNATED FIRE PATROL
A “Designated Fire Patrol” is a member of a work crew assigned the responsibility and accountability for fire prevention, risk mitigation, early detection of fires, ensuring fire compliance is maintained with vehicles and equipment on the work site and within 50’ of the work activity, and rapid extinguishment of a wildland fire should one occur. This position can be accomplished as a collateral duty with other work duties and should be documented on the tailboard form or similar document.
DEDICATED FIRE PATROL
A “Dedicated Fire Patrol” is a person(s) assigned the responsibility and accountability for fire prevention, risk mitigation, early detection of fires, ensuring fire compliance is maintained with vehicles and equipment on the work site and within 50’ of the work activity and rapid extinguishment of a wildland fire should one occur. This will be their sole duty while serving as a Dedicated Fire Patrol. When a Dedicated Fire Patrol is required, the position must be filled with an SDG&E Contracted Qualified Firefighter such as the Patriot General Fire Crew.
Patriot General prioritizes job site safety above all else, implementing rigorous protocols and training to ensure the well-being of all personnel and the protection of construction sites from potential hazards.
