bo 3500.1n - Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

BO 3500.1N
25 Mar 08
3. Powder Burning
a. Powder burning shall be conducted in AFAs during FDRs of LOW,
MODERATE, and HIGH. In order to reduce the potential for costly wildland
fires, when the FDR is VERY HIGH or EXTREME, the unit conducting training
shall burn powder at AFAs 16, 31 and 43 only, unless coordinated with
LONGRIFLE. During all powder burning activities, powder shall be burned in
areas cleared to mineral earth, and no closer than 200 feet to vegetation.
Powder shall be burned in single or double rows, not to exceed 12 inches in
width, and not to exceed a total of 40 bags.
b. Units shall have fire extinguishers, water, and shovels at the burn
site. Units shall contact LONGRIFLE for permission prior to burning. Units
shall remain at the burn site for 30 minutes after the last burn, ensuring no
fires have been started in the surrounding vegetation.
D. Safety Personnel. Safety personnel and their responsibilities are
detailed in Chapter 3 of the most current edition of JtRegtO P3570.1C, Marine
Corps Artillery Safety Standing Operating Procedures, [reference (r)].
E. Communication
1. FIREXs. When an artillery firing exercise (FIREX) is battalion size or
larger, an Exercise RSO from the organization conducting the exercise may
check out all the AFAs assigned to the organization conducting the FIREX.
Communication shall be established and monitored between LONGRIFLE and each
firing unit occupying an AFA, prior to and during all firing. The
controlling headquarters shall conduct all normal traffic between the
controlling unit and LONGRIFLE. Subordinate units shall monitor the Range
Safety Net, entering the net only when called, or in the event of an
emergency, MEDEVAC, etc. This procedure is designed to reduce traffic on the
Range Control Net, and provide positive communication with each firing unit
in case of emergencies. When a unit calls LONGRIFLE, they shall identify
themselves as the (unit) Fire Direction Center, and not the alphanumeric unit
call sign. The controlling headquarters shall advise LONGRIFLE of the
current location of all firing units involved in the FIREX.
2. Check Firing. All personnel shall be briefed to immediately command,
“Check-firing” upon observing any unsafe condition, and to state the reason
check-firing is announced. Once the problem is corrected, the OIC of Firing
shall contact LONGRIFLE for permission to cancel check-firing. Upon
approval, he will command, “Cancel check- firing.”
F. Special Instructions for Firing Improved Conventional Munitions (ICM)
1. Firing Conditions. ICM shall be fired under the conditions listed below.
a. With the approval of a special request to the AC/S, O&T.
b. From AFAs 10, 31, 32, and 33, unless otherwise authorized.
c. Into the firing box created by the following grids: 62920 93196 to
62920 94196 to 63920 94196 to 63920 93196.
d. When the OIC of Firing has ensured all areas along the gun target
line are clear of personnel, he/she shall be granted permission to fire by
LONGRIFLE.
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