Prescribed Fire Explained
Submitted by John Helmich, East Mountain Interagency Fire Protection Association
EM Residents,
The following is a letter written to you from Matt Rau, FMO, Sandia Ranger District. This is an explanation of the prescribed fire process. Since we will possibly be seeing prescribed fire in our area this fall, we hope this explains the process that takes place in ‘putting fire on the ground’.
Prescribed Fire
At a recent event we held about prescribed fire, a surprising comment was made: “I did not realize how complex the process is to bring prescribed fire into our forest”. We will very soon be conducting prescribed fire operations in the EM, and so we feel it is the perfect time to talk about the process.
? The process of getting to the point of actually putting fire on the ground is lengthy and has many checks and balances.
? This process starts with deciding what physical, geographical area(s) are of critical importance
? The prescribed fire plan must be current.
? Compliance requirements must be met: smoke/cultural/endangered species impacts, NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) requirements.
? Risk management and residual risk in place, acceptable (work sheet completed)
? Will elements of the plan be met? (Preparation work, weather, contingency resources, etc)
? Media and residents notified?
? Critical personnel properly briefed?
? Any circumstances that would stop the plan being put in place?
? What about contingency actions notification?
Once these pieces have been asked and answered, there is yet another check list the ‘Burn Boss’ (lead agency person responsible for conducting the prescribed burn) must conduct the day of the planned burn. If these items are not met, no burn will take place:
? Are ALL fire prescription elements met
? Are ALL smoke management specifications met
? Has ALL current and projected weather predictions been obtained
? Are ALL weather elements favorable
? Are ALL personnel and equipment on hand, operational
? Are ALL contingency resources on hand and checked
? Have ALL personnel been briefed properly
? Have all pre-burn concerns been addressed and completed
? Have media and residents been notified
? Are ALL permits and clearances in hand and current
? Can the burn be carried out per the Prescribed Fire Plan
? Will the prescribed fire meet the plan’s objectives
Unfortunately, this is a lengthy list. But this demonstrates that we do NOT just decide to go out one day and burn some forest land. This process takes many months and years to develop and implement. We hope that this information will reassure you that we take extensive precautions when we conduct prescribed fires on the Sandia District.
Sincerely, Matt Rau, FMO, Burn Boss, Sandia Ranger District
Twitter: @EMIFPA_NM