Management
Wildfire response
The Forest Service has responded to wildfire for more than 100 years. But how, why, when, and where we do it—has changed. There are Forest Service-specific and interagency policies and study recommendations that guide fire management decisions. Fire management professionals develop and implement an informed risk-based strategy, anchored to the four pillars of the Incident Strategic Alignment Process (ISAP) – prioritized Critical Values at Risks (CVARs), strategy/strategic actions, risks to the responders, and the probability of success.
Fuels management
The Forest utilizes a combination of mechanical treatments and prescribed fire operations to change vegetation patterns and manage fuels on the landscape.
Prescribed fire operations
Prescribed fires help reduce surface fuels, increasing landscape wildfire resilience and reducing the risk of uncharacteristic wildfire effects on the landscape. In addition, they improve and maintain forest health and wildlife habitat and eliminate invasive species. The forest ecosystems in the Northern Rockies, including those on the Forest, have evolved with fire, with many of them relying on periodic fires to establish and maintain forest health. Prescribed fires are used to reintroduce fire as a natural disturbance agent on the landscape under conditions that are more achievable for natural resource objectives.
Burn plan
Prescribed fires are carefully planned and conducted in accordance with a written burn plan that meets national standards. Prior to implementation, Forest fire managers coordinate with local cooperators, county officials, and interagency partners.
Prescribed fires are planned for various units across the Forest; however, the window of opportunity for prescribed burning is affected by several factors. Safety factors, weather conditions, air quality, personnel availability, and environmental regulations are continually monitored before implementation to determine feasibility of moving forward with the prescribed fire operations, during implementation, and after completion of the unit(s).
Implementation and monitoring
Preparation involves establishment of control lines, aviation landing areas, and safety zones. Fire officials must also secure adequate firefighting resources and equipment. Prior to initiating the prescribed fire or pile burning operations, fire professionals assess conditions, conduct a test burn, and notify local governments and interested publics.
When prescription criteria are met, firefighters implement, monitor, and patrol each burn to ensure it meets forest health and public safety objectives.
Prescribed fires are usually ignited by hand crews with drip torches or by aviation assets. Following ignition, fire professionals monitor the progress of the fire, observe fire behavior, and ensure the fire stays within the predetermined unit boundaries. After completion of the unit, fire crews mop-up (extinguish areas of residual heat) and patrol the area to make sure the fire is out.
Implementation of prescribed fire activities is coordinated with the National Weather Service and air quality specialists to determine the best possible weather conditions to promote smoke dispersal and limit smoke impacts.
Public notification
Prior to conducting any prescribed fire or pile burning operations, forest officials will notify the public and any relevant agencies. The BDF Prescribed Fire Inciweb page is updated to reflect any area where prescribed fire may occur. The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest Wildland Fire Information Facebook page also posts continual updates on planned actions, implementation progress, and accomplishments.