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Wildland Fire Safety

The Forest Service has broad responsibilities in the management of wildland fire, ranging from immediate suppression to the lighting of controlled fires to safely restore fire-adapted ecosystems. In managing wildfire, the Forest Service’s clear mission includes protection of landscapes, resources, and people. Regard for human safety and the management of risk guide all fire management decisions and actions. On every fire, firefighter and public safety are the highest priorities.

Aerially-applied fire retardant reduces wildfire intensity and rate of spread, decreasing risks to firefighters, enabling them to construct fireline safely. In many situations, the use of retardant in concert with firefighters on the ground allows the Forest Service to safely meet its responsibilities to protect landscapes, resources, and people.

In October 2007, the Forest Service issued an environmental assessment (EA) and decision notice and finding of no significant impact (DN/FONSI) entitled "Aerial Application of Fire Retardant". In February 2008, the Forest Service amended the DN/FONSI by incorporating the reasonable and prudent alternatives proposed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries during the Section 7 consultation process prescribed by the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

On July 27, 2010, the United States District Court for the District of Montana issued a decision that invalidated the Forest Service's decision to adopt the Guidelines for Aerial Delivery of Retardant or Foam Near Waterways" (2000 Guidelines). The 2000 Guidelines are to minimize the impact of aerially-delivered fire retardant on aquatic life and habitat. Click here for the 2000 Guidelines. The Court directed the Forest Service, USFWS, and NOAA Fisheries to cure NEPA and ESA violations and for the Forest Service to issue a new decision no later than December 31, 2011.

Implementation Guide for Aerial Application of Fire Retardant
	Forest Service Guide

Wildland Fire Chemicals Misapplication and Reporting Tools, Forms and Policy (Inter-agency):
	Getting Started with Wildland Fire Chemicals Misapplication and Reporting Tool
	Summary – Reporting and Monitoring Requirements by Agency
	Wildland Fire Chemical Misapplication Reporting Tool and Interagency Reporting Forms (WFCMR)
	Printable Data Collection Forms for Field Use
	Policy for Aerial Delivery of Wildland Fire Chemicals near Waterways (2000 guidelines update)

Forest Wide Aerial Fire Retardant Avoidance Maps:(for more detailed maps refer to Implementation Guide-Chapter 2)
	Maps

Browse by Subject:
	Seeing Red: A Short History of Fire Retardant
	Environmental Assessment (Historic files)

Reports:
	Summary of Fire Chemical Applications in Waterways (2011)
	Summary of Fire Chemical Applications in Waterways (2010)
	Summary of Fire Chemical Applications in Waterways (2009)
	Summary of Fire Chemical Applications in Waterways (2008)
	Total Retardant Used

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