What does the Blackline Policy stipulate?

The Blackline Policy stipulates the importance of safe fire management practices, particularly the concept of maintaining a safe position when fighting wildfires. The phrase "one foot in the black and one foot in the green" describes the practice where firefighters position themselves between an area that has already burned (the black) and an area that is still unburned (the green). This technique allows firefighters to minimize the risk of being overrun by fire, as they can utilize the already burned area as a safety zone while actively working on controlling the fire in the green area.

Understanding this concept is crucial because it highlights the importance of situational awareness and the need to assess and mitigate risks when engaging in wildland firefighting. By ensuring that one foot is in the black, firefighters can take advantage of the reduced fuel and lower fire intensity, ultimately enhancing their safety while performing their duties.