New Approaches to Prescribed Fire
After prescribed fires caused wildfires in New Mexico in 2022, the Forest Service paused the activity to review the program and come out with recommendations for doing things differently.
The National Prescribed Fire Program Review was adopted later that year, and required new ways of planning, conducting and monitoring prescribed fires across the nation. Here are some of the immediate changes the Carson National Forest has taken since then.
What Takes Place
PreBurn Checklist
Prior to ignitions, additional considerations are required including favorable weather conditions, as well as the readiness and availability of firefighting resources.
Collaboration
Close communication with private landowners, cooperators, elected officials and partners when planning and executing prescribed fires.
Burn Plan
Burn plans now make better use of available science, modeling and drought monitoring.
24 Hour Approval
Leadership must approve any new ignition or continued ignitions every 24 hours.
Forest Supervisor Involvement
The Forest Supervisor is briefed before a prescribed fire is ignited.
Drought Monitoring
The new prescribed fire template discusses a drought monitor website that should be reviewed and included in the plan discussion.
Contingency Resources
The burn plan specifies additional “just in case” personnel and equipment. A minimum number of firefighting resources must be within a 30-minute response time of the project area.
Infrared (IR) Use
Infrared sensing technology is used to monitor prescribed fires for residual heat invisible to the naked
Patrol Plan
Plans for long-term patrol must be in place until the prescribed fire is declared out.
Leadership
Agency leadership must be available locally during all high-complexity burn.