Rx Fire Planning and Evaluation

ObjectivesObjectives1.1. Identify key elements; both required and Identify key elements; both required and

recommended to be addressed in every prescription.recommended to be addressed in every prescription.

2.2. Write clear and measurable objectives for specific Write clear and measurable objectives for specific burns.burns.

3.3. Develop a prescription which meets legal Develop a prescription which meets legal requirements, and agency/landowner objectives, and requirements, and agency/landowner objectives, and best management practices for Florida. best management practices for Florida.

4.4. Describe the contingency plan elements for an Describe the contingency plan elements for an escaped prescribed fire in Florida.escaped prescribed fire in Florida.

5.5. Execute an evaluation for a prescribed burn.Execute an evaluation for a prescribed burn.

PrescriptionPrescription

A written plan establishing the necessary criteria A written plan establishing the necessary criteria for starting, controlling, and extinguishing a for starting, controlling, and extinguishing a prescribed burn.prescribed burn.

RequiredRequired Elements of a Elements of a PrescriptionPrescription

1.1. Stand or site descriptionStand or site description

2.2. Map of the area being burnedMap of the area being burned

3.3. Number of personnel and equipment types to be used Number of personnel and equipment types to be used

4.4. Desired weather factors; including but not limited to;Desired weather factors; including but not limited to;a)a) Surface wind speed and directionSurface wind speed and direction

b)b) Transport wind speed and directionTransport wind speed and direction

c)c) Minimum mixing heightMinimum mixing height

d)d) Minimum relative humidityMinimum relative humidity

e)e) Maximum temperatureMaximum temperature

f)f) Minimum fine fuel moistureMinimum fine fuel moisture

Required Elements of a Required Elements of a PrescriptionPrescription

5.5. Desired fire behavior factors such as:Desired fire behavior factors such as:

a.a. Type of burn techniqueType of burn technique

b.b. Flame lengthFlame length

c.c. Rate of spreadRate of spread

d.d. Fuel conditionsFuel conditions

6.6. Time and date the prescription was preparedTime and date the prescription was prepared

7.7. The authorization date and time period of authorizationThe authorization date and time period of authorization

8.8. An evaluation and approval of the anticipated impact of the An evaluation and approval of the anticipated impact of the proposed burn on related smoke sensitive areasproposed burn on related smoke sensitive areas

9.9. Signature and number of Certified Prescribed Burn ManagerSignature and number of Certified Prescribed Burn Manager

1) Stand Or Site Description1) Stand Or Site DescriptionRequiredRequired

1.1. Location and sizeLocation and size

2.2. Burn HistoryBurn History

3.3. SoilsSoils

4.4. Plant Communities (Overstory & Plant Communities (Overstory & Understory)Understory)

5.5. FuelsFuels

6.6. TopographyTopography

7.7. Special FeaturesSpecial Features

Stand or Site DescriptionStand or Site Description

EXAMPLES;

Location S: 20 T: 1S R: 24E

Vegetation Type Flatwoods with dense palmetto

Acres 70

Fuel Model 7

2) Unit Map

3) Equipment & Personnel Needs3) Equipment & Personnel Needs

What equipment and What equipment and how many people do how many people do you need to achieve you need to achieve your goals and to your goals and to conduct a safe burn?conduct a safe burn?

Examples:Examples: 20 acre fire using interior 20 acre fire using interior

strip flanks might only need strip flanks might only need one tractor and 3 firefightersone tractor and 3 firefighters

Think about your Think about your contingency plan too – do contingency plan too – do you want an additional plow you want an additional plow near the cypressnear the cypress strand?strand?

4) Weather Conditions4) Weather Conditions

Fuel ConditionsFuel Conditions Combined with Combined with Weather ConditionsWeather Conditions and and TopographyTopography Will Determine Will Determine Fire Behavior.Fire Behavior.

Prescription ParametersPrescription Parameters Acceptable RangeAcceptable Range

Fuel Model: 7 Flatwoods

Surface (Mid-flame) Wind Speed 1-3

20’ Wind Speed & Direction 6-12 SW, S

Transport Wind Speed & Direction 9-18 Any

Mixing Height <1700

Dispersion Index (Day) 40-60

Maximum Temperature 75-95

Minimum Relative Humidity 35%-60%

Mimimum Fine Fuel Moisture 6%

Weather FactorsWeather Factors

5) Desired fire behavior5) Desired fire behavior

Burn technique(s)Burn technique(s) Flame lengthFlame length Rate of SpreadRate of Spread Fuel conditionsFuel conditions

Fire Behavior FactorsFire Behavior Factors

Fire Behavior FactorsFire Behavior Factors Acceptable RangeAcceptable Range

Fuel Model: 7 Flatwoods

Burn Techniques Backing, Flanking

Strip Head, Spot

Flame Length 6’ – 12’

Rate of Spread 1 – 12 Chs/hr.

6.6. Time and Date of Prescription:Time and Date of Prescription: Date prescription was Date prescription was

preparedprepared

7.7. The Authorization Date and The Authorization Date and Time Period of AuthorizationTime Period of Authorization

8) Smoke Screening8) Smoke Screening

An evaluation and approval of the anticipated An evaluation and approval of the anticipated impact of the proposed burn on related smoke impact of the proposed burn on related smoke sensitive areassensitive areas

i

9.9. Signature and Number of the Signature and Number of the Certified Prescribed burn Certified Prescribed burn ManagerManager

RecommendedRecommended Elements of a Elements of a PrescriptionPrescription

10) Purpose and Objectives10) Purpose and Objectives Reasons Reasons Resource ObjectivesResource Objectives Fire Objectives Fire Objectives

(measurable)(measurable)

Purpose and ObjectivesPurpose and Objectives

Resource ObjectivesResource Objectives Restore site back to Longleaf ecosystemRestore site back to Longleaf ecosystem Enhance wildlife habitatEnhance wildlife habitat Maintain ecosystem diversityMaintain ecosystem diversity Keep fire out of the swampKeep fire out of the swamp

Fire ObjectivesFire Objectives Increase Longleaf seeding by 50% and promote wire Increase Longleaf seeding by 50% and promote wire

grassgrass Increase native forage by 10%Increase native forage by 10% Reduce oak population by 50%Reduce oak population by 50%

11) Safety11) SafetyWhat do you need to do to conduct a safe and What do you need to do to conduct a safe and efficient burn?efficient burn?

Examples:Examples: All firebreaks down All firebreaks down to mineral soilto mineral soil Mow 10 feet inMow 10 feet in In sensitive areas, In sensitive areas, natural features may natural features may be used (rivers, lakes, be used (rivers, lakes, ditches, etc.)ditches, etc.)

Safety - Hazards to CrewSafety - Hazards to Crew

What would your What would your crew need to know crew need to know if they have never if they have never been to your site that been to your site that might hurt them?might hurt them?

Examples:Examples: SnakesSnakes SnagsSnags Gopher tortoise holesGopher tortoise holes ROTC pitsROTC pits

Safety -Surrounding FuelsSafety -Surrounding Fuels

If your fire gets out, what is around you?If your fire gets out, what is around you?

Examples:Examples: North – unburned parcel with dense palmettoNorth – unburned parcel with dense palmetto East – burned parcel (2007) with dense overstoryEast – burned parcel (2007) with dense overstory South – unburned parcel with marshSouth – unburned parcel with marsh West – unburned parcel with dense palmettoWest – unburned parcel with dense palmetto

Safety - Communications PlanSafety - Communications Plan

How will your crew How will your crew communicate?communicate?

Examples:Examples: Common textCommon text Everyone will have radios, Everyone will have radios,

only crew leaders willonly crew leaders will Scream across unitScream across unit

12) Season & time of day12) Season & time of day

Objectives?Objectives?

13) Ignition Plan13) Ignition Plan Given your objectives and Given your objectives and

weather parameters, what will weather parameters, what will be the best technique to be the best technique to achieve your goals?achieve your goals?

Leader’s Intent?Leader’s Intent? Flame length!Flame length!

Examples:Examples: Ignition Type - Ignition Type -

Backing fire, Flanking Backing fire, Flanking fire (Interior Strip fire (Interior Strip Flanks), Spot fire, Strip Flanks), Spot fire, Strip head, Head firehead, Head fire Ignition Plan – Light Ignition Plan – Light

test fire on NW side of test fire on NW side of unit, black line on line unit, black line on line A/B, interior flanks as A/B, interior flanks as neededneeded

Ignition Plan (Firing Plan)

Test fire at B, Black line A/B, flanks on B/D and A/E, interior flanks

A

D

C

B

E

14) Publicity and Notifications14) Publicity and Notifications

• Media

• Neighbors

• Fire Departments

• Local Schools

15) Holding and Contingencies15) Holding and Contingencies

How will you keep your fire in the defined How will you keep your fire in the defined site/unit? What are the ‘what ifs’site/unit? What are the ‘what ifs’

Examples:Examples: Holding – Holding unit 1 will patrol line A/B and Holding – Holding unit 1 will patrol line A/B and

extinguish any spot fires or control hazardsextinguish any spot fires or control hazards Contingencies – If the fire escapes, we will cease Contingencies – If the fire escapes, we will cease

ignition and extinguish spot if safe. Crews can use ignition and extinguish spot if safe. Crews can use all fire breaks as escape routes and safety zones are all fire breaks as escape routes and safety zones are shown on the attached map.shown on the attached map.

Mop-UpMop-Up

Plan for smoke problems, day after weather Plan for smoke problems, day after weather

changes, smoldering issues, etc.changes, smoldering issues, etc.

Example:Example: We will mop-up 25 feet from fire lines. All flames We will mop-up 25 feet from fire lines. All flames

will be extinguished and smoldering snags will be will be extinguished and smoldering snags will be

downed.downed.

16) Evaluation16) Evaluation

Evaluation QuestionsEvaluation Questions

Were pre-burn preparations made?Were pre-burn preparations made? Were objectives met?Were objectives met? Did you stick to your prescriptionDid you stick to your prescription Were conditions of weather, fuel, and fire Were conditions of weather, fuel, and fire

behavior within planned limits?behavior within planned limits? Environmental effects on soil, water, air Environmental effects on soil, water, air

vegetation, and wildlife.vegetation, and wildlife.

Evaluation Questions (continued)Evaluation Questions (continued)

Any accidents or near accidents?Any accidents or near accidents?

Fire confined to prescribed area?Fire confined to prescribed area?

Was burning technique correct?Was burning technique correct?

Were costs comparable to benefits?Were costs comparable to benefits?

Things to rememberThings to remember

Your prescription should be replicableYour prescription should be replicable Your prescription needs to hold up in courtYour prescription needs to hold up in court Maps should show your written requirements – Maps should show your written requirements –

make copies and give to your crew during make copies and give to your crew during briefingbriefing

If you are calm, your crew will trust your If you are calm, your crew will trust your decisionsdecisions

YOU should know the site!YOU should know the site! We all make mistakes, however LEARN We all make mistakes, however LEARN

FROM THEM!!!FROM THEM!!!

Pre-WorkPre-Work

Purpose/Goal Pre workPurpose/Goal Pre work

Resource ObjectivesResource Objectives Restore site back to Longleaf ecosystemRestore site back to Longleaf ecosystem Enhance wildlife habitatEnhance wildlife habitat Maintain ecosystem diversityMaintain ecosystem diversity Keep fire out of the swampKeep fire out of the swamp

Fire ObjectivesFire Objectives Increase Longleaf seeding by 50% and promote wire Increase Longleaf seeding by 50% and promote wire

grassgrass Increase native forage by 10%Increase native forage by 10% Reduce oak populationReduce oak population

Burn Unit DescriptionBurn Unit Description

Location S: 20 T: 1S R: 24E

Vegetation Type Flatwoods with dense palmetto

Acres 70

Fuel Model 7

Prescription ParametersPrescription Parameters Acceptable RangeAcceptable Range

Fuel Model: 7 Flatwoods

Surface (Mid-flame) Wind Speed 1-3

20’ Wind Speed & Direction 6-12 SW, S

Transport Wind Speed & Direction 9-18 Any

Mixing Height <1700

Dispersion Index (Day) 40-60

Temperature 75-95

Relative Humidity 35-60

Environmental ConditionsEnvironmental Conditions Acceptable RangeAcceptable Range

Soil Moisture Moderate High

1 hr Fuel Moisture 8 12

10 hr Fuel Moisture 10 14

100 hr Fuel Moisture 15 17

Woody Live Fuel Moisture* 100% 150%

Herbaceous Live Fuel Moisture 80% 120%

Litter/Duff Moisture Moderate High

Media Contacts for Pre WorkMedia Contacts for Pre Work

Notify Whitehouse AirfieldNotify Whitehouse Airfield Notify Bryceville Elementary & Fire Notify Bryceville Elementary & Fire

StationStation Notify local television stationsNotify local television stations

make sure that media person is available to make sure that media person is available to handle them on site if they choose to attend the handle them on site if they choose to attend the burnburn

Notify local radio stationsNotify local radio stations

MapsMaps

Burn Unit - zoom in and large scaleBurn Unit - zoom in and large scale Ignition PatternIgnition Pattern Smoke ScreeningSmoke Screening Safety Zones/Escape RoutesSafety Zones/Escape Routes

Holding and ContingenciesHolding and Contingencies

How will you keep your fire in the defined How will you keep your fire in the defined site/unit? What are the ‘what ifs’site/unit? What are the ‘what ifs’

Examples:Examples: Holding – Holding unit 1 will patrol line A/B and Holding – Holding unit 1 will patrol line A/B and

extinguish any spot fires or control hazardsextinguish any spot fires or control hazards Contingencies – If the fire escapes, we will cease Contingencies – If the fire escapes, we will cease

ignition and extinguish spot if safe. Crews can use ignition and extinguish spot if safe. Crews can use all fire breaks as escape routes and safety zones are all fire breaks as escape routes and safety zones are shown on the attached map.shown on the attached map.

Unit Map

Ignition Pattern (Firing Plan)

Test fire at B, Black line A/B, flanks on B/D and A/E, interior flanks

A

D

C

B

E

i

Safety Zones

Safety Zones & Escape Routes

Safety Zone

Escape Routes

Crew AssignmentsCrew Assignments

Who does what, where will they be?Who does what, where will they be?

Examples:Examples: Ignition Crew 1 – Orlando 4 – A/C lineIgnition Crew 1 – Orlando 4 – A/C line Ignition Crew 2 – Orlando 426 – D/E lineIgnition Crew 2 – Orlando 426 – D/E line Holding Crew 1 – Orlando 44 – AHolding Crew 1 – Orlando 44 – A Lookout – Orlando 5 – on towerLookout – Orlando 5 – on tower

Briefing ChecklistBriefing Checklist

There is a lot going on that day – keep is There is a lot going on that day – keep is simplesimple

See handout (UCF Prescription)See handout (UCF Prescription)

Things to rememberThings to remember

Your prescription should be replicableYour prescription should be replicable Your prescription needs to hold up in courtYour prescription needs to hold up in court Maps should show your written requirements – Maps should show your written requirements –

make copies and give to your crew during make copies and give to your crew during briefingbriefing

If you are calm, your crew will trust your If you are calm, your crew will trust your decisionsdecisions

YOU should know the site!YOU should know the site! We all make mistakes, however LEARN We all make mistakes, however LEARN

FROM THEM!!!FROM THEM!!!

Lat. & Long. were backwardsLat. & Long. were backwards

Goals & Objectives confusedGoals & Objectives confused

Ignition techniques:Ignition techniques: Backing, flanking, grid, strip-headBacking, flanking, grid, strip-head Time requirementsTime requirements

Adjustments to Pre-work

Organization:Organization: Not all available crews utilizedNot all available crews utilized Crews in two places at onceCrews in two places at once

Contingencies for EscapeContingencies for Escape Stop ignition and contain escapeStop ignition and contain escape Notify FFSNotify FFS

Adjustments to Pre-work

Adjustments to Pre-workAdjustments to Pre-work

Monitoring (sec. 3) – keep it realisticMonitoring (sec. 3) – keep it realistic

Give yourself room in the range of weather Give yourself room in the range of weather parameters, but not too much.parameters, but not too much.

Transport windsTransport winds Speed, 9+ mphSpeed, 9+ mph Direction, any except northerlyDirection, any except northerly

A successful prescribed burn depends upon A successful prescribed burn depends upon

skilled application of fire from a carefully skilled application of fire from a carefully

developed prescription for a definite area to developed prescription for a definite area to

accomplish accomplish Specific ObjectivesSpecific Objectives..

Elements of a PrescriptionElements of a Prescription

Pre-burn checklistPre-burn checklist Description of Burn UnitDescription of Burn Unit Purpose and objectivesPurpose and objectives Site PrepSite Prep Surrounding FuelsSurrounding Fuels Fire Sensitive AreasFire Sensitive Areas Weather FactorsWeather Factors Smoke Management PlanSmoke Management Plan Ignition Plan (type, flame Ignition Plan (type, flame

length, ROS)length, ROS) Equipment/Personnel NeedsEquipment/Personnel Needs

Communication PlanCommunication Plan Hazards to CrewHazards to Crew Publicity/Notifications Publicity/Notifications Holding/ContingenciesHolding/Contingencies Mop-UpMop-Up Evaluation Evaluation Maps (Maps (Burn UnitBurn Unit, Vegetation, , Vegetation,

Ignition Pattern, Smoke Ignition Pattern, Smoke Screening, Location)Screening, Location)

Crew AssignmentsCrew Assignments Briefing ChecklistBriefing Checklist

Ignition PlanIgnition Plan Given your objectives Given your objectives

and weather parameters, and weather parameters, what will be the best what will be the best technique to achieve technique to achieve your goals?your goals?

Examples:Examples: Ignition Type - Ignition Type -

Backing fire, Flanking Backing fire, Flanking fire (Interior Strip fire (Interior Strip Flanks), Spot fire, Strip Flanks), Spot fire, Strip head, Head firehead, Head fire Ignition Plan – Light Ignition Plan – Light

test fire on NW side of test fire on NW side of unit, black line on line unit, black line on line A/B, interior flanks as A/B, interior flanks as neededneeded

Ignition Plan (Firing Plan)

Test fire at B, Black line A/B, flanks on B/D and A/E, interior flanks

A

D

C

B

E

Ignition PlanIgnition Plan Acceptable RangeAcceptable Range

Fire Technique Spot, Strip Head

Backing, Flank

Rate of Spread ch/hr (80 ch/mile) 1 3

Fireline Intensity btu/ft/sec* 50 90

Flame Length (ft) 1 3

Energy Release Component** 10 45

* Calculated easiest in Behave

** Calculated for specific national fire danger rating fuel models & local weather; Typically only the feds will use this element in their prescription

i