This document is contained within the Fire Management Toolbox on Wilderness.net. Since other related resources found in this toolbox may be of interest,

This document is contained within the Fire Management Toolbox on Wilderness.net. Since other related resources found in this toolbox may be of interest, you can visit this

toolbox by visiting the following URL: http://www.wilderness.net/index.cfm?

fuse=toolboxes&sec=fire. All toolboxes are products of the Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center.

Fire Management HistoryAnd

Fire Policy

Patti HiramiDirector, Aviation and Fire MgtUSFS Eastern Region

Wilderness Resource Advisor April 24-26, 2007

Duluth MN

Objectives

• Understand how fire management history led to the current Federal Fire Policy

• Have a working knowledge of the basics of the Federal Fire Policy relevant to wilderness fire management and the WRA role.

In the beginning….

• Fire Control– 10 AM policy

– Prevention – Suppression technology

Prescribed Fire– Prescribed fire– Prescribed Natural Fire

•

Notable Events

• Peshtigo WI 1871• FWS first Rx fire 1927• Mann Gulch MT 1949• Prescribed Natural Fire 1976• Quetico Provincial Park

classified as Wilderness Park 1977, FMP 1997

• Mack Lake MI 1980• Yellowstone WY 1988• South Canyon CO 1994 • 1995 Federal Fire Policy • Cerro Grande NM 2000

• 2001 Review of the Federal Fire Policy

Main ProcessesSupportive Processes

Results/Outcomes

Federal Fire Policy ComponentsFederal Fire Policy Components

Interagency

Cooperation

Safety

Planning

Standardization

Science

Prevention

Agency Administrator and Employee

Roles

Protection Priorities

Communication and

EducationResponse to Wildland Fire

Use of Wildland

Fire

Suppression

Fire Management

and Ecosystem

Sustainability

Wildland/Urban

Interface

Rehabilitation and

Restoration

Foundation

Evaluation

Preparedness

1995 Federal Fire Policy

A Few Key Points for WRAs• Firefighter safety• Wildland fire recognized as a critical

natural process and must be reintroduced into the ecosystem. Fire allowed to function as nearly as possible to its natural role to achieve long-term goals of ecosystem health.

• Wildland fire management decisions and resource management decisions go hand-in-hand and are based on approved fire management and land and resource management plans.

• Appropriate Management Response (AMR)

1995 Federal Fire Policy

A Few Key Points for WRAs, con’t.

• Once a fire is declared a wildland fire, it cannot be managed as a fire use fire.

• Human caused starts cannot be managed as a fire use fire.

• A fire can be initially managed as a wildland fire use fire, but if it exceeds prescription or the situation changes, it must be managed as a wildland fire and an appropriate management response taken. Use your WFIP.

2001 Federal Fire Policy Review

A Few Key Points

• 1995 policy still valid• Condition of fire adapted

ecosystems continues to deteriorate• Need to address ecosystem

sustainability, science, education, communication

• Emphasis on integrated program management

• 2004 Implementation strategy approved by DOI and USDA Secretaries

2007 Notable Items forWilderness Resource Advisors

• Costs• Appropriate Management

Response• WFSA• WFIP• Decision Support • Line Office Certification• Oversight

Considerations for WRAs

If large incident:• Don’t get lost in the system – you have

an important advisory role • Plans, Finance, Logistics

Regardless of size

• Coordinate with other resource advisors and agency administrator

• Understand the decision space and risks for which the agency administer is responsible

• Use the toolbox website• Operational and personal safety

Questions?