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Fire Management History And Fire Policy Patti Hirami Director, Aviation and Fire Mgt USFS 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 Federal Fire Policy Cerro Grande NM Review of the Federal Fire Policy

Main ProcessesSupportive ProcessesResults/Outcomes Federal Fire Policy Components Interagency Cooperation Safety Planning Standardization Science Prevention Agency Administrator and Employee Roles Protection Priorities Communication and Education Response 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 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?