Transcript Fire Mgt Hx.Policy.ph

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=fir
e. All toolboxes are products of the Arthur Carhart National
Wilderness Training Center.
Fire Management History
And
Fire Policy
Wilderness Resource Advisor
April 24-26, 2007
Duluth MN
Patti Hirami
Director, Aviation and Fire Mgt
USFS Eastern Region
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
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Notable Events
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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
Federal Fire Policy Components
Foundation
Supportive Processes
Main Processes
Results/Outcomes
Standardization
Science
Prevention
Interagency
Cooperation
Safety
Planning
Preparedness
Use of Wildland
Fire
Agency
Administrator and
Employee Roles
Fire Management
and Ecosystem
Sustainability
Wildland/Urban
Interface
Suppression
Protection
Priorities
Communication
and Education
Response to
Wildland Fire
Evaluation
Rehabilitation
and Restoration
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 for
Wilderness 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?