Creating and Evaluating Alternatives to the 10 Standard Fire Orders and 18 Watch-Out Situations

Abstract

The Standard Fire Orders (SFO) and Watch-Out Situations (WOS) provide wildland firefighters with the essential information needed for safe and efficient operation. Although fundamental, the information is difficult to remember because it fails to capitalize on its inherent relatedness and inappropriately applies mnemonic techniques. We created 3 alternative presentations of the SFO and WOS information using the mental representations of experienced wildland firefighters. We then evaluated how well novice participants could remember the information when presented with 1 of these alternatives or the current presentation format. Data revealed the lowest recall rates for the current format of the SFO and WOS and the highest for the more concise alternatives. Possible methods for the development of information systems are discussed.