Wildland Fire: A Natural Process Wildland Fire Education Working Team
Agenda Introductions Role of Wildland Fire Current Conditions Wildland Fire Management Partnerships for Wildland Fire Safety Materials and Resources
Introductions
Role of Wildland Fire Wildland fire is an essential, natural process Fire has helped shape our wildlands for thousands of years, and is important for the survival of many plants and animals Reduces accumulation of vegetation Some plants and animals depend on fire for survival
Role of Wildland Fire Snapshot: Sequoia & Kings Canyon Sequoias depend on frequent fire. Fire prepares the ground with nutrient- rich ash on mineral soil so sequoia seeds can germinate.
Role of Wildland Fire Fire behaves differently throughout the country Fire behavior affected by fuels, weather and terrain Virtually all vegetation types in the U.S. can experience wildland fire
Current Conditions Society’s influence has altered historic fire cycles, leading to a dangerous and difficult build-up of vegetation in our wildlands History of prevention and suppression Risk of fires that become difficult to manage and can threaten areas of residential development Effects on plant and animal life
Current Conditions Impact of Fire Exclusion
Current Conditions Snapshot: Sequoia & Kings Canyon
Wildland Fire Management Land management agencies are committed to a balanced fire program that will reduce risks and realize benefits of fire Safety of firefighters and the public is the No. 1 priority
Wildland Fire Management Land management agencies are committed to a balanced fire program that will reduce risks and realize benefits of fire Fire management plans are customized to restore natural conditions, maintain healthy ecosystems, and protect communities Balance needs, including fire suppression, prevention, and fire use
Wildland Fire Management Snapshot: Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes Fire suppression, preparedness Rx Fire, Fire Use Mechanical fuel reduction Information, Education Monitoring, Research Fire Prevention Wildlife, Wildland Recreation Agriculture, Range Forestry/Silviculture Invasive species Cultural Preservation Elders Wetlands, Water Quality
Wildland Fire Management Snapshot: Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes Example Education Product Fire is a gift from the Creator, brought to us by animals occupying the earth before our arrival
Wildland Fire Management Snapshot: Sequoia Kings Canyon Fire suppression Fire use Prescribed fire Mechanical fuel reduction Education Monitoring Research Preparedness
Partnerships Improving the health of the land and reducing risks to communities requires partnerships Fire burns across jurisdictional boundaries Federal and state agencies Tribal governments Fire departments Communities and landowners
Partnerships Organizational “Economy of Scale” and collaboration is essential for success Fire Planning Analysis Fire Planning Unit Interagency Operating Agreements SCA Fire Ed Corps Firewise Communities Federal assist account
Snapshot: Loess Hills Region (IA) Regional Fire Management Plan Fire Learning Network – TNC, USFS & DOI Training - Landowners, rural fire departments Mobile Prescribed Fire Crew Partnerships
Snapshot: West Kern Fire Lightning-caused fire Sequoia and Inyo National Forests managed cooperatively with Sequoia National Park Partnership prevented costly fire suppression effort and improved forest health
Partnerships Role of Individuals & Communities Be aware of – and prepared for – local fire conditions Contact your land management agency to determine your fire conditions and actions you can take Mitigate fire hazards on private property Use recreational fire safely
Partnerships Role of Individuals & Communities Support fire management efforts Smoke from prescribed fire is a sign that steps are being taken to reduce risks and realize benefits of fire Your efforts will ultimately help reduce loss of life, property, and natural resources
Partnerships Snapshot: Lummi Island Scenic Estates (WA) Community partnered with WA DNR Training for landowners Education sessions Chipper days Recognized nationally as Firewise Communities/USA site
Resources
In Closing… Fire is an essential, natural process Society’s influence has altered historic fire cycles Land management agencies are committed to a balanced fire program that will reduce risks and realize benefits of fire Improving the health of the land and reducing risks to communities requires partnerships
Discussion