FIRE
While fire is an integral and natural part of healthy ecosystems, wildfires in recent years have been among the most challenging and devastating on record. Many factors have lead to the increased risk of catastrophic fire, including the effects of more than a century of aggressive fire suppression and a dramatic increase in development in wildland-urban interface areas. (Areas where increased development has spread to adjacent wildland).
Wildfire does not respect federal, state, or private boundaries, making partnerships and collaboration a necessity. Historically, agencies have worked together because none have the resources to resolve fire issues alone. The National Fire Plan mandate strengthens these partners commitment to manage the impact of wildland fire and work with communities to maintain natural resources.
The National Fire Plan includes five elements:
- Firefighting
- Hazardous fuels treatment
- Rehabilitation and restoration
- Community assistance
- Accountability
To put the elements of the Plan into action requires each partner contributing in its area of expertise. Partners include:
- Federal agencies
- Tribes
- National Association of Counties
- States
- Universities
- Local governments and fire departments
- Community groups
Fire Resources
The National Fire Plan is a long-term, cooperative effort to manage the impacts of wildland fire. Its web site includes information on its five key elements (firefighting, rehabilitation and restoration, hazardous fuel reduction, community assistance, and accountability) and links to related information.
Firewise programs, created by a consortium of wildland fire agencies, teach people how to reduce the risk of fire in wildland-urban interface communities. Information includes creating defensible space around the home, reducing wildland fire hazards, publications, workshops, materials for educators, and recognition programs.
The National Interagency Fire Center coordinates and supports wildland firefighting and disaster operations with federal and state agencies as well as partnerships with local and rural agencies. Firefighting supplies, equipment, and personnel are shared to facilitate efficient, cost-effective firefighting and disaster management.
US Forest Service Fire and Aviation Management works to advance technologies in fire management and suppression, maintain and improve efficient mobilization and tracking systems, and support federal, state, and international fire partners.
The Joint Fire Science Program is a six-agency partnership. It develops information and tools for managers and specialists dealing with fuel accumulation, severe wildland fires and ecosystem health problems.
This directory on the USDA Forest Service Fire and Aviation Management web site has links to the many partners that fight wildland fires and provide resources for fuels reduction projects. |
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![[Photo]: After thinning, the risk of fire is reduced and overall forest health is improved.](../common/images/fire-risk2th.jpg)
Fire Risk Reduction Involves Local Residents
The award-winning Greater Parks Fuels
Reduction Project is helping private landowners thin trees, protect homes
and promote healthy forests on the Kaibab National Forest. The project is
the result of a myriad of state and private agencies combining efforts and
expertise to prevent wildland fires in urban areas. More...
Hazardous fuel reduction includes thinning trees, cutting brush and dead or dying vegetation and removing piles of wood and debris.
Fire Links
Funding
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PARTNERING WITH THE FOREST SERVICE
