1) Make effective firebreaks on your property borders.
This protects your property and prevents fires from spreading to neighboring properties.

2) Warn neighbours if you plan to burn firebreaks.
Use a written notice to inform neighbours of your intentions.

3) Plan your firebreak programme with your neighbours.
Get your neighbour’s approval of your plan of action. If neighbours cannot reach an agreement, the local magistrate may act as an arbiter. Their ruling will then be binding for both landowners.

4) Insist on your neighbour’s presence when firebreaks on boundary belts are being made.
This will ensure that all parties take responsibility for any eventualities. If a fire occurs on a property and poses a threat to people, animals, or property, any person may enter the property and take reasonable measures to prevent the fire from spreading or extinguish it. These measures may even include setting fire to crops or additional firebreaks.

5) Ensure that weather conditions are suitable for burning firebreaks.
You could consider burning firebreaks at night when weather conditions are usually more favourable. Check the Fire Danger Rating and regulations for your region.

6) Burn firebreaks early.
Burning restrictions are enforced in certain regions—ensure that you are aware of them.

7) Do not light fires in the open air if you cannot control them.
Ensure that you have enough help and equipment to manage all eventualities. Lighting a fire within a road reserve, except in a designated fireplace, is prohibited under the National Veld and Forest Fire Act No. 101 of 1998.

8) You are responsible for preventing fires from spreading to neighboring properties.
If a fire spreads, it can cause extensive damage, and the landowner from where the fire originates may be held liable for damages.

9) Do not leave a fire unguarded or unattended before it is properly extinguished.
Unexpected winds can reignite cinders.

10) According to the National Veld and Forest Fire Act No. 101 of 1998, carelessness with fires is considered a criminal offence.

1.) Fire has not been scouted or properly sized up.
Without assessing fire conditions, responders may be unaware of hazards or spread risks.

2.) In unfamiliar terrain that has not been seen in daylight.
Limited visibility and unknown obstacles make fire management challenging and dangerous.

3.) Safety zones and escape routes have not been identified.
Without planned exit routes, firefighters may be unable to evacuate safely.

4.) Unfamiliar with weather conditions and local factors that influence fire behavior.
Winds, humidity, and terrain can drastically impact fire movement and intensity.

5.) Uninformed about strategy, tactics, and potential hazards.
A lack of clear planning increases risks to crews and property.

6.) Instructions and assignments are unclear.
Miscommunication can lead to disorganized and ineffective firefighting efforts.

7.) No communication link with crew members or supervisor.
Without coordination, responders may be isolated from critical updates.

8.) Constructing a fireline without a secure anchor point.
A weak or unstable fireline may fail to contain the fire.

9.) Building a fireline downhill with the fire below.
Flames can quickly rise upslope, trapping personnel.

10.) Attempting a frontal assault on the fire.
Directly engaging a fire head-on can be highly dangerous.

11.) Unburned fuel exists between you and the fire.
The fire may spread unpredictably through dry vegetation or debris.

12.) Unable to see the main fire and not in contact with anyone who can.
Blind firefighting operations increase risks.

13.) Positioned on a hillside where rolling debris can ignite fuel below.
Falling embers or burning material can start secondary fires.

14.) Weather conditions are becoming hotter and drier.
Increased temperatures and low humidity heighten fire spread risk.

15.) Wind speed is increasing or changing direction.
Sudden wind shifts can push flames toward crews unexpectedly.

16.) Spot fires are frequently occurring across the fireline.
Additional flare-ups can quickly escalate fire complexity.

17.) Terrain and fuel conditions make escape to safety zones difficult.
Thick vegetation, steep slopes, or barriers may limit mobility.

18.) Taking a nap near the fireline.
Fires can change rapidly—staying alert is crucial for safety.

1.) Stay informed about fire weather conditions and forecasts.
Understanding environmental factors helps anticipate fire risks and behavior.

2.) Know what your fire is doing at all times.
Continuous monitoring ensures prompt action and informed decision-making.

3.) Base all actions on the current and expected behavior of the fire.
Adapting strategies based on fire movement improves efficiency and safety.

4.) Identify escape routes and safety zones, and make them known.
Clear evacuation plans reduce risk in case of sudden changes in fire behavior.

5.) Post lookouts when there is potential danger.
Having observers enhances situational awareness and early detection of threats.

6.) Be alert. Keep calm. Think clearly. Act decisively.
Remaining composed and making informed choices is crucial in high-pressure situations.

7.) Maintain prompt communication with all forces, your supervisor, and adjoining teams.
Coordinated efforts are essential for effective firefighting and risk mitigation.

8.) Give clear instructions and ensure they are understood.
Miscommunication can lead to delays or dangerous mistakes.

9.) Maintain control of your forces at all times.
Strong leadership ensures safety and organization during fire operations.

10.) Fight fire aggressively while prioritizing safety first.
Effective firefighting requires balancing assertive action with caution.

The acronym LACES was developed by Paul Gleason, a highly respected fire specialist with the USDA Forest Service. He recognized that memorizing multiple safety guidelines—such as the 10 Standard Fire Orders, the 18 Watch Out Situations, and the 5 Common Denominators on Tragedy Fires—could overwhelm firefighters. His goal was to simplify key survival principles into an easy-to-remember system.

Initially developed as LCES (Lookouts, Communications, Escape Routes, Safety Zones), an “A” was later added for “Awareness”, as situational awareness is critical for ensuring that all other safety measures are effective.

L – Lookouts

Lookouts serve as the eyes of the firefighter—especially for the Crew Boss, Fire Controller, or Section Fire Boss. They must position themselves where they can observe the fireline, personnel, and fire behavior. Lookouts should recognize potential hazards and report changes immediately.

A – Awareness

All firefighters, including lookouts, must be fully aware of the action plan. This includes understanding fire weather, fire behavior, terrain, and surrounding activities. Awareness ensures that personnel can adapt to changing conditions and respond effectively.

C – Communications

Fire officers, crew leaders, and lookouts must maintain reliable communication at all times. This can be through direct radio contact or relayed through designated personnel. Effective communication ensures coordination and safety during operations.

E – Escape Routes

Firefighters should plan and identify at least two escape routes. If the primary route becomes inaccessible, they must know exactly how to proceed. Every firefighter on the fireline must understand these escape plans.

S – Safety Zones

Safety zones are designated areas where firefighters can seek refuge if conditions worsen. Their size and location depend on fuel type, terrain, weather conditions, and worst-case fire behavior. Every firefighter must know the location of these zones before engaging in fire suppression efforts.