| Fire Info |
|---|
| Industrial Fire Precaution Level Definitions |
| Fire Danger Rating Definitions |
| Prescribed Burns |
Fire
Since 1995, the BLM has been integrated with the USDA Forest Service for fire and aviation management. Here in the Pacific Northwest, our fire program is managed cooperatively between the two agencies and in close collaboration with the Pacific Northwest Wildfire Coordinating Group, an interagency group including the five federal wildland fire agencies, two state forestry agencies, and two state fire marshal associations. The interagency jurisdiction covers both Oregon and Washington and includes 10 BLM districts, 19 National Forests, and the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area. By working cooperatively, the agencies can administer fire, fuels and aviation programs in a manner that eliminates duplication, increases program efficiency, and capitalizes on the expertise of each agency's personnel.
BLM Releases Rangeland Fire Protection Associations (RFPA) Guidance
In 2016, BLM released an instruction memorandum (IM) that established new minimum required elements for cooperative fire response agreements with RFPAs, and highlights the importance of a safe and effective cooperative response to wildfires.
The RFPAs are comprised primarily of ranchers in an area who have come together to respond to wildfires. Given the size and remoteness of many Western rangelands, local RFPAs are often the first to respond to a fire start, gaining valuable time until BLM crews arrive. Cooperation among these groups and the BLM, in Oregon as elsewhere, has been improving in recent years. A copy of the BLM guidance is available here:
- Rangeland Fire Protection Associations (RFPA) Guidance, Instruction Memorandum No. FA IM-2016-038 (PDF)
Prescribed Fire/Controlled Burning
Prescribed fire can be used to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires, and increase public and firefighter safety. Today, we know that fire is essential to the health of our forests and rangelands. To restore fire to its natural role in forests and rangelands, trained experts employ low intensity prescribed fire in the spring and fall, when weather conditions minimize escape and allow for controlled burning. more>>
Local
Burns Interagency Fire Zone - Burns District Fire Incidents
Medford Interagency Communication Center - Medford District Fire Incidents
Vale BLM Fire Center - Vale District Fire Incidents
Regional
Northwest Interagency Coordination Center - The Northwest Interagency Coordination Center (NWCC) serves as the northwest area's geographic focal point to provide logistical support and intelligence relative to anticipated and ongoing wildfire activity for all federal and cooperating state wildland fire suppression agencies.
Pacific Northwest Wildfire Coordinating Group (PNWCG) - This interagency and intergovernmental group of local, state, and federal agencies is working cooperatively to reduce wildfire risk and restore fire-adapted ecosystems.
National
National Fire Plan - The National Fire Plan was developed in August 2000, following a landmark wildland fire season, with the intent of actively responding to severe wildland fires and their impacts to communities while ensuring sufficient firefighting capacity for the future.
National Interagency Fire Center - The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) in Boise, Idaho is the nation’s support center for wildland firefighting.
Lightning, Smoke, and Fire -- 2013 Fire Report
With its agency and landowner partners, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) continues to respond to wildfires - some of which threaten homes - and to severe fire danger across much of Oregon. Fire protection is the State's and the BLM's #1 priority, and employees from all programs and all parts of the state are involved. We're always ask Oregonians to observe fire precautions when visiting forested areas, and that they check with local ODF offices, or other agencies or landowners, before visiting, for updates on what restrictions may be in place.
Some of the largest fires that burned in 2013 extended from a July 26th lightning storm. "Lightning, Smoke, and Fire" tells the story of this storm, the wildfires it sparked, and the rigorous response from agencies, landowners, and communities. Download a copy of this interesting report here.
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