The Wildfire Response Plan is sometimes called a pre-suppression or fire control plan. A wildfire is defined as a fire, regardless of ignition source, which is unplanned, has escaped control, or is not authorized under state law or local ordinances. It is a Nature Conservancy Fire Management Requirement that all wildfires are reported and responsibility turned over to the appropriate fire control agency unless there is a signed Mutual Aid Agreement or Memorandum of Understanding that states otherwise. For a full discussion of wildfires, their definition and liability implications, see Fire Management Requirements.

A Wildfire Response Plan describes how we will manage and report wildfires on TNC lands. In some respects wildfire planning is more important than prescribed fire planning because of the extensive damage that may occur during fire suppression, and the fact that many more sites are susceptible to wildfire than have fire prescribed for them. It is also important to plan for wildfires for good community relations. Large landholdings of flammable fuels may present a risk to neighboring landowners. It is our responsibility as good neighbors to plan for wildfires and work with community firefighters to reduce risk when possible.

A common question regarding wildfires is whether TNC ever manages a naturally-ignited wildfire as a prescribed burn. The answer is rarely. In large remote wilderness areas, naturally-ignited fire may be an important means of accomplishing wilderness management goals. There may be a few instances where naturally-ignited fires can be allowed to burn on TNC lands, as long as they are burning within a pre-approved burn plan. This is most likely to be appropriate when TNC owns land near or within a large federal landholding and resources are available to monitor the fire.

State laws governing prescribed burning will determine whether naturally-ignited fires can be managed to meet ecological management goals on our property, and the process for permitting or controlling those fires. Generally, all wildfires, regardless of origin, must be reported immediately and responsibility turned over to the appropriate fire control agency. How the wildfire is managed on our property is at the discretion of that agency. If we would like the fire control agency to consider the ecological benefits of a wildfire and manage it accordingly, then specific criteria and objectives should be spelled out and agreed to in either the Wildfire Response Plan.

Wildfire Planning Requirements and Updates

A Wildfire Response Plan is required for all sites at which the Conservancy engages in fire management, and strongly recommended for sites where there is flammable vegetation but no fire management program. Updates should be frequent enough to reflect changes in personnel both within TNC and within the local fire control agencies. It is strongly recommended that Wildfire Response Plans include input and review from adjacent landowners. Wildfire Response Plans are prepared by a Fire Planner or Burn Boss. The Plan is typically an independent document that is included as an addendum to a Site Fire Management Plan.

What are the Components of a Wildfire Response Plan?

There is no standard format for this plan. It should be brief (3-5 pages) but include enough information so that it can be used as a communications tool with the local fire control agency. It may be useful to think of the local fire control authorities as the intended audience for the document.

Typically, key components include:

• the location of the site
• a physical description of the site (fuels, topography, fire-sensitive areas, etc.)
• a narrative of the procedure to be followed in the event of a wildfire (e.g. notification, evacuation, suppression action)
• identification of the fire control agency responsible for suppression in the area (e.g. volunteer fire department, state forestry agency), with contact phone numbers
• list of Nature Conservancy staff to be contacted in case of wildfire, with phone numbers
• information concerning any cooperative agreement with multiple landowners or agencies, such as a Mutual Aid Agreement
• communications procedures, including radio frequencies of responding agencies
• list of any TNC resources which may be available to firefighters
• list of values at risk
• maps identifying
  • roads into and on the site, and access gates
  • natural features that could be used as firebreaks, such as streams, lakes, or changes in fuel types
  • ecologically sensitive areas to be avoided by response vehicles
  • wet or low-lying areas where response vehicles may get mired
  • water sources
  • location of flammable fuels or hazardous materials storage

In some areas, Conservancy fire programs may decide to develop a media response plan in anticipation of an escaped prescribed burn. This document would designate one or two staff to interact with the media and include a basic framework for a response and a fact sheet on the preserve or site which could be distributed to media contacts.
Example: Albany Pine Bush Media Response Plan

Where is a Wildfire Response Plan Filed?

A copy should be kept in a readily-accessible area of the local TNC office, and any additional offices to which a wildfire might be reported. You should also meet with local fire control officials to give them a copy of the Wildfire Response Plan and discuss its implementation. (See below for more information on developing relationships with local authorities.)

It is important to instruct all staff about proper wildfire response. The person who receives a telephone call notifying the Conservancy of a fire on its preserve may be unfamiliar with fire management, and unwittingly expose the Conservancy to liability risk through an inappropriate response. Be sure that everyone understands the notification process for contacting fire control authorities and the appropriate TNC staff.

Develop a Relationship with the Local Fire Control Agency

Foremost in wildfire planning is developing close and effective liaisons with local and state fire control agencies and officials. Get to know the fire control officials likely to respond to a fire in your area. Invite them to visit the site for a tour and discussion of sensitive areas, access points, and roads. Once suppression resources are deployed, fire officials may or may not be cooperative, but the potential benefits of collaboration are great. It may make the difference between a fire plow staying along the boundary of a preserve rather than going through its center. When fires threaten people, livestock or buildings, fire officials cannot be expected to place ecosystem damage above other considerations. But even in threatening situations there may be some room for flexibility in response. Cooperation is most likely if you work to help fire officials accomplish their objectives while not compromising those of the Conservancy. Wildfire planning may also help reduce the occurrence of fire, increase the efficiency of fire control, and help avoid high expenditures of funds to cover damages and suppression.

If you are concerned that local fire control personnel do not have sufficient experience in dealing with wildland fire, it may be useful to conduct a joint training session. The session might include a review of communications procedures, agency and Conservancy equipment, practice with hoselays, and suppression exercises. Even with experienced personnel, an annual joint refresher is a good way to build a relationship between the two groups.

Fire Fighting Service Charges and Insurance

Although practices vary from state to state and county to county, in some localities a fee is charged to a landowner if the local fire department or state or federal fire control agency is required to combat a fire on a landowner's property. The Conservancy might be faced with such fees if a local fire department provides assistance in the event of a wildfire, or particularly a wildfire that originates as a prescribed burn getting out of control. In some instances, these service fees could be quite high. The Conservancy's insurance will cover these fees, either as a cost included as an "incidental" in part of a larger claim for damages, or separately when there is no claim for damages (as long as the fee is larger than the insurance deductible).

Example: Moab Wildfire Response Plan

Last updated November 10, 2005