Management

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. 

Pre-Burn 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 eye. 

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.