The Ten Essential Factors in (wildland) Firefighting (TEFF)
	LCES WT FFFF
	The purpose of this exercise is to briefly explain each of the TEFFs.  To fully grasp the TEFFs, see the Consolidation of the 59 Firefighting Rules into the Ten Essential Firefighting Factors.  The Trends file explains how to track each of the TEFFs, possibly to a Trigger Point, so that Fire Suppression Tactics are appropriate, given all the factors.  If you have comments or advice, please contact me at the locations listed below.  Patrick Withen
			pwithen@virginia.edu
			http://people.uvawise.edu/pww8y/index.html#Top
I.	L	Lookouts	Sufficient Lookouts are in place.
II.	C	Communications	Sufficient Communications are in place:  generally communications are needed w/ lookout(s), crews, supervisors, & adjoining forces, but there may be other critical links
III.	E	Escape routes	A suitable Escape Route is known to all
IV.	S	Safety zones	A suitable Safety Zone is known to all.  The Safety Zone may be to exit the fire area
V.	W	Weather	Weather is doing what is expected; no RH or wind trigger points have been crossed
VI.	T	Terrain	The terrain is not causing unexpected fire behavior
VII.	Fb	Fire Behavior	Fire Behavior is understood in light of Weather, Terrain, & Fuel Type.  Fire behavior is not doing anything unexpected, thus Firefighting Resources' tactics are succeeding as expected
VIII	Fr	Firefighting Resources	While more Resources may be on order, Firefighting Resources are sufficient for Firefighters to remain safe & to successfully implement current tactics
IX	Fs	Fire Status	Firefighters are aware of the scope of the fire, & current tactics are successful in light of amount of Firefighting Resources & to keep current Firefighters safe
X	Ft	Fuel Type	Fuel type is understood in light of Weather, Terrain, & Fire Behavior
			TEFF.xls       August 10, 2002