I. Local Jurisdictional Unit Inherits Incident n When the incident is winding down (i.e, when the fire is declared controlled ), the Incident Management Team and out-of-county units will be released and the incident will then be returned to local control (managed by the local Unit, Forest or Contract County). n The “home Unit” will complete mop-up, patrol and anything left to do. They get the kudos for putting the fire out, but they get the criticism for mistakes, too – and that can last for a long time.

n Often times, the Incident’s home unit will request that FSR personnel assigned to the fire stay and complete or assist with the Suppression Repair work. 1. The ability to do this depends on resource needs in the rest of the state, your Unit’s needs, your Supervisor’s desires and your personal commitments. 2. If you decide to help, be sure you are supported by the Incident (Finance will be leaving too, and you may be asked to stay on a per diem basis). 3. You may work out a deal with the local Unit to stay for a certain period or until critical items are adequately addressed – each situation is unique and you’ll want to weigh all factors in your decision to stay after most others have been long gone. II. FSR can Merge into Long-Term Strategy

Tie in with Unit Plan & Other Interests : 1. Suppression work should merge into the Unit’s long term plan. 2.The Unit Fire Plan can accommodate the CA Fire Plan, County and public interests (often times a Contract County will not have FSR expertise), stakeholder concerns, landowner needs and other-Agency repair & mitigation programs.

Does the short-term suppression repair work link to long-term fire rehab? [It might not!] n Fire Plan – Fuels inside the perimeter have significantly changed! This will affect the Units data set, ignition plan and possibly the future prevention program. Discuss these changes with the PreFire Engineer and applicable Battalion Chief if feasible. n County or Local Fire Department – The fire may have affected the status of the local fire department if large enough or political enough: *The incident may have post-fire consequences, influence funding, access to grants or public support of the department. Does the local fire department want to be involved in long- term issues, using the recent fire as an opportunity? Discuss this with the Department Liaison or Department Rep.

Public Relations Post-Fire: The fire and its effects may have substantially impacted the community (Angora, Lowden). The media may be interested in our suppression repair efforts or in the long-term prognosis of the area (SoCal; fires in the summer, mudslides in the winter). This issue has the potential to create controversy but we also have a great opportunity to educate the public about fire effects and identify the need for solutions early in the recovery process. Look for help/advice/guidance from Unit PIO and applicable Fire Safe Councils and/or the local Resource Conservation District. Suggest/consider the local unit making a BOS presentation.

Landowner Needs: The need to recover from a fire is common to all landowners but each landowner’s experience is unique. - Some will want to know how they can replant or restore their land. - Several just need advice or a professional & a sympathetic ear. - Others may be interested in cost share programs or grant opportunities that can help or may totally pay for restoration work. The Department has the expertise in fire ecology, erosion control, CEQA, cost share programs, etc. Contact the home unit’s Unit Forester or Forestry Assistance Specialist. Yet others are just ready for you to leave so their lives can return to normal! *Consider the fate of surviving trees, potential for significant erosion, use of harvesting documents, ability to move any salvage (live mills nearby, loggers, use for the wood in other forms besides lumber)?

n Other Agency Restorative Programs: Many agencies administer programs designed to help recover following a wildfire. Such help can be through materials (seeding, planting) or in terms of technical plans or services. Natural Resources Conservation Service is a great resource – contact the local District Conservationist for help. Many Resource Conservation Districts have grant expertise and local connections for agricultural-related industries. Forestry is one of these. Fire Safe Councils. Office of Emergency Services – in touch with lots of volunteer groups that may be interested in “adopting” a project such as Boy Scouts, Search & Rescue, etc. If a State of Emergency has been declared, the Federal Emergency Management Agency may have loans or other assistance. Other relief agencies such as Red Cross may have short-term assistance programs or transitional support. It is NOT suggested that the Suppression Repair plan include all or even any of these elements but that the transition to any long-term plans of the Unit go smoothly.

Provide good documentation for others : First, make a concise list of people you dealt with regarding suppression repair that includes area, name and contact information – as well as that of related personnel such as Ranch Manager, spouse, safety notes, etc. Document your actions: What did you accomplish? Keep a record on maps – I keep each day’s Incident Map that has FOBS info, hand-drawn information and status of progress in a snapshot look. Show miles, acres, projects treated. Provide narrative of how landowner and agency/stakeholder input was handled and accommodated. If not accommodated, explain why.. III.RECORD of DECISION

IV. PENDING WORK n In addition to accomplishments, it’s imperative to list work that still needs to be done. This is part of the transfer of information from you to the Home Unit: – Who will be doing the work (CAL FIRE, Contract County, another agency?) Get Buy-In – Are there financial agreements that specify accomplishing the work? Be sure to note the contact name and numbers of the Comp-Claims Rep and the Finance Unit Leader for the Incident. – Often you’ll have a local person that serves as a permanent fixture when we are all moving around - help your Home Unit by providing this person and what they can help with. n Work with the Comp Claims Rep: For issues that you were not able to solve during your tenure, assure you have a copy of the completed “Claims to Victim Compensation & Government Claims Board” (old “Board of Control”) Short Title: Victim Claims Board to pass on and summarize your understanding of the situation.

V. DEMOBILIZATION Transition Briefing Form - attached below – see last slide subitems g. and on. Complete the demob process for you and as much as possible, for your staff Finalize performance evaluations - if you send them post-incident, be sure to get each person’s supervisor contact info

What to do back home… n Getting back into your normal routine, you’ll go through your truck, tossing old IAP’s… but….to prepare for the next one: – Make a list/address book of good FSR personnel: including FOBS, FSR’rs, Tech Spec’s, Comp-Claims Spec’s and contractors – Educate your own Unit personnel on suppression repair policies and techniques – don’t let them leave a fire without completing the FSR work. – Have fun!