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Yellowstone National ParkVisitors enjoy a stroll along a boardwalk near a thermal feature.
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Yellowstone National Park
Fire Suppression
Fire suppression is the cornerstone of the Yellowstone Fire Management Program. By definition fire suppression is simply the act of putting out a wildland fire using safe and efficient methods. Terrain and weather are viable allies and weapons in the fight against unwanted wildfire. In order for fires to be allowed to burn for resource benefit, Yellowstone fire managers must provide the assurance that they have the capability to suppress those fires at any time they burn outside prescribed parameters. Refer to the prescribed fire web page for a more detailed description of prescription parameters.

Like all federal land management agencies, Yellowstone fire suppression doctrine involves a wide variety of suppression resources. Each suppression effort entails a custom application of available resources in order to put the fire out in any given set of fuel, weather, and terrain circumstances. Various links are provided to explain the aviation, engine, detection, dispatch, and blasting programs. In addition we've included a section called suppression tactics, to give you the basic procedures and terminology used in knocking a fire out cold!

Click on the chart below to find out more about fire suppression within the park.

 
                                         
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Did You Know?
Prior to the establishment of the National Park Service, the U.S. Army protected Yellowstone between 1886 and 1918. Fort Yellowstone was established at Mammoth Hot Springs for that purpose.

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Last Updated: June 11, 2007 at 17:17 EST