MHAFB WFMP-Final.pdf

MHAFB WFMP November 2007

Wildland Fire Management Plan

Mountain Home Air Force Base and Mountain Home Range Complex

16 November 2007

Table of Contents Introduction Section 1 – Goals and Objectives Section 2 – Fire History

Wildland Fire History Prescribed Fire History

Section 3 – Wildland Fuel Factors Fire Behavior Modeling…………………………………………………………………………5 Firebreaks and Fuelbreaks Fuel Management

Section 4 – Establishing Fire Season and Fire Ratings Weather Fire Season Daily Fire Ratings

Section 5 – Organizational Structure for Fire-related Activities Responsibilities Vehicles and Equipment Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment (PPE)

Section 6 – Personnel Training and Certification Standards and Records Section 7 – Physical Fitness Standards

Wildland Fire Suppression Prescribed Fire

Section 8 – Wildfire Detection and Response Procedures Detection Response Procedures for MHAFB

Response Procedures for MHRC...…………………………………………………………….17 Communication

Section 9 – Safety and Emergency Operations Special Areas of Concern Wildfire Evacuation Plan

Section 10 – Risk Assessment/ Decision Analysis Processes Values at Risk

Section 11 – Interagency Cooperation and Mutual Aid Agreements Section 12 – Mission Impact Considerations

Section 13 – Natural and Cultural Resource Considerations Natural Resources Cultural Resources Burned Area Rehabilitation

Section 14 – Smoke Management and Air Quality Section 15 – Public Relations Section 16 – Environmental Impacts of Plan Implementation

Section 17 – Funding Requirements Section 18 – Monitoring Requirements

Wildfires Prescribed Fires

Section 19 – Prescribed Burn Plan Requirements Section 20 – List of Acronyms, Abbreviations and Definitions Appendices

Appendix A – Prescribed Fire Plan Template Appendix B. Maps Appendix C. SCR Fire History

Table of Tables

TABLE 1. FUEL MODEL DESCRIPTIONS

TABLE 2. PRECIPITATION FOR MHAFB, SCR, AND JBR

TABLE 3. FIRE DANGER RATINGS AND FACTORS

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Introduction This Wildland Fire Management Plan (WFMP) establishes policy, procedures and responsibilities for Wildland Fire Management and also outlines procedures, controls, and duties specific to Fire Suppression Operations at Mountain Home Air Force Base (MHAFB), and the Mountain Home Range Complex (MHRC), comprised primarily of Saylor Creek Air Force Range (SCR) and Juniper Butte Range (JBR). This WFMP complies with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 1051, Standard for Wildland Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications, NFPA Standard 1143, Standard for Wildland Fire Management, NFPA 1144, Standard for Protection of Life and Property from Wildfire, AFI 32-2001, The Fire Protection Operations and Fire Prevention Program and AFI 32-7064 Integrated Natural Resources Management Chapter 12 Wildland Fire Management.

Section 1 – Goals and Objectives Wildland Fire Management The following are goals and objectives of the wildland fire management program for unplanned wildfire ignitions on MHAFB and MHRC lands.

Goal Prevent fire ignition.

Objectives

• Maintain existing firebreaks. Do not disk new areas without contacting CEVA for evaluation of sites.

• Use fire indices. Restrict activities as fire hazard rating increases.

• Manage vegetation to lessen fuel load.

• Plant fire-resistant vegetation in areas with a higher potential for ignition sources, such as areas along roads and within the target areas.

• Conduct grazing on JBR in the spring to reduce the biomass of seeded grasses and cheatgrass, but allow growth of native grasses (less fire-prone) in early summer.

• Minimize bare ground areas (except for slickspots) to reduce cheatgrass invasion, which supports fires.

• Use mowing on and adjacent to two-track roads and other approved areas as an alternative to disking firebreaks to reduce standing fuel height.

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• Use herbicides to eliminate noxious weeds, Russian thistle, cheatgrass, and other exotic annual plants to reduce fire risk in areas with high potential for ignition, such as road shoulders and target areas. Some herbicides can be used as growth regulators to reduce standing height of vegetation.

• Provide EOD clean up to lower risk of ordnance striking ordnance and creating sparks.

• Train all range using civilian, contractor and military personnel annually in fire prevention.

• Apply active risk management. All possible precautions are taken to prevent man-made fires from initiating on the range.

• Ensure that all vehicles assigned to the range are equipped with spark arrestors, shovels, and fire extinguishers.

• Park maintenance vehicles only in areas clear of or with minimal vegetation (areas with vegetation less than 6 inches).

• Vehicles are restricted to on-road use unless precluded by emergency.

• Smoking is prohibited off the graveled areas and in government vehicles. Dispose of smoking materials in ashcans.

• Ensure that trained fire personnel and equipment are present onsite for immediate fire suppression during maintenance activities and ordnance dropping conducted during the fire season.

• Bolt heated targets with electric elements rigidly in place inside metal targets. Ensure that they meet or exceed operation safety standards established by the National Fire Codes and published by the National Fire Protection Association.

• Control or remove weeds from around all targets from the start of 366 CES/CEF declared fire season.

Goal

• Immediate fire suppression.

Objectives

• Maintain equipment in ready state by performing routine maintenance and readiness checks.

• Train personnel in wildland firefighting techniques and safety.

• Require personnel to meet and maintain minimum physical fitness requirements within contractual limitations.

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• Use established procedures for assistance and coordination during a fire.

• Continue Interagency Site Support Agreement with BLM for suppression response.

• Require contractor to follow proper procedures for contacting the BLM and cooperating during a fire incident.

• Provide annual wildfire training to firefighters through the Base Fire Department.

• During fire season, have on hand enough trained personnel to operate all water tenders simultaneously, if conditions warrant a maximum response.

• Annually review fire procedures, including coordination, reporting, and assistance procedures prior to fire season.

Goal

• Conduct firefighting in a manner consistent with slickspot peppergrass conservation.

Objectives

• Avoid slickspots and slickspot peppergrass during firefighting operations to the maximum extent practicable.

• Disk the least area required to subdue a fire.

• Provide slickspot peppergrass maps to firefighting personnel at the annual Natural and Cultural Resource Awareness Training.

• 366 CES/CEVA will work with firefighters to recommend potential disk areas to be utilized in a fire emergency prior to fire season each year.

Section 2 – Fire History Wildland Fire History Fire History documentation for MHAFB is limited. Some documentation exists in 366 CES/CEF archives. Fires have occurred over much of the base, as evidenced by the dominant weedy annuals and remnant populations of sagebrush in what should be a perennial grass/sagebrush dominated landscape. Lightning caused and accidental fires, along with intentional fires, have reduced the native landscape on base and resulted in a more fire prone vegetation type.

Fire History for the MHRC is better documented as the BLM collected data and maintained records on SCR for the joint-use area, and JBR prior to the withdrawal in 1998 for use as an Air Force Range. Since 1943, MHAFB has been operating the Impact

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Area on SCR and maintains recent fire history records. Since 1998, MHAFB has been compiling fire history and fuels management records for JBR.

Recent fire history for SCR and JBR is shown in Appendix B, Maps 1 and 2.

Appendix C lists recent fires on SCR Impact Area, location, and # of acres burned.

Wildland fires at MHAFB and MHRC are primarily caused by activities associated with the training mission. These fires are typically small due to rapid detection and rapid response of personnel on site. Lightning caused fires are typically larger fires due to delayed detection and response times. Lightning is the primary source of ignition outside the Impact Areas of SCR and JBR.

Historical and annual fire data is collected and maintained by 366 CES/CEF.

Prescribed Fire History Very little documented information exists on prescribed fires at either MHAFB or in the MHRC. It is known that the area within the impact area at SCR was purposely burned or allowed to burn on a fairly regular basis until about 2000. JBR has only existed as an Air Force Training Range since 1998 (Juniper Butte Withdrawal Act). Prescribed fire is not used at JBR. A few wildfires from training activities have occurred at JBR and all were actively suppressed. Aerial photos of MHAFB over a 60 year period show a decline in sagebrush from approximately 4000 acres in 1945 to less than 400 acres in 2007, presumably the result of fires and other ground disturbing activities. It is unknown whether these disturbances were intentional, accidental, or natural.

Section 3 – Wildland Fuel Factors Predicting the potential behavior and effects of wildland fire is an essential task in fire management. Fire behavior is the way a fire reacts to available fuels, weather, and topography. A change in any of these components results in a change in fire behavior (DeBano 1998).

Fire behavior is complex with many contributing factors, all of which fall into the broader elements of:

topography (slope, aspect, and elevation), weather (climate, air temperature, wind, relative humidity, atmospheric stability) and fuels (size, type, moisture content, total loading, and arrangement.) (Agee 1993).

These three elements comprise the fire environment, surrounding conditions, influences, and modifying forces; and together determine fire behavior (NWCG 1996).

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Topography and Weather: The topography and weather of a given location are beyond the ability of management to control. Weather conditions such as drought, high temperature, low humidity, and high wind play a significant role in the spread of wildfire, and are influenced by topography and geographic location.

Fuels: Fuel hazard, based on vegetative composition and structure is the most controllable. Fuels are made up of the various components of vegetation, live and dead, that occur on a site. The type and quantity will depend upon the soil, climate, geographic features, and the fire history of the site.

Fire Behavior Modeling Fuel models are standardized descriptions of fuels available to a fire based on fuel load (tons/acre) and fuel depth (spatial arrangement), which describe the amount, distribution and continuity of vegetation (http://www.nps.gov/archive/seki/fire/fire_gloss.htm). Fuel models are simple and effective tools to help the user realistically estimate fire behavior.

Mathematical fire behavior models allow users to rate fire danger and estimate predicted fire behavior (Rothermel 1972). The fire behavior models use fuel models as input to calculate fire danger indices or fire behavior potential. Given a specific set of weather conditions in a specific area (weather and topography), differences in the modeled fire behavior, including ignition, rate of spread, and intensity (flame length) are due to differences in the fuel model used. The annual grasslands, modified perennial grasslands, and modified sagebrush steppe of MHAFB and MHRC fall into fuel models GR1, GR2 GR4, GR7, and GS2 which are vertically oriented fuel groups, rapidly increasing in depth with increasing load. Fuel models SH1 and SH2 are shrub models with lesser fine fuels, are slower to ignite, but once ignited, burn hotter and more potential for destruction. See Table 1. (Modeled from http://www.fs.fed.us/rm/pubs_int/int_gtr122.pdf)

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Table 1. Fuel model descriptions

Condition Fuel

Model Fuel Description Location of Fuel Type

Bareground NB9 Plowed, graveled, or bareground Emitter sites, graveled roads, plowed firebreaks on

SCR and MHAFB

Mowed or treated with growth inhibitors, no regrowth

GR1 Grass is generally short and may be sparse or discontinuous

Airfield, mowed common areas on base, mowed firebreaks and two track roads on JBR

Typical dry year growth, mowed or subject to grazing, little regrowth

GR2 Load is greater than GR1, and may be more continuous.

Fuelbed depth is less than 1 foot.

Fuel load 1.10 tons per acre.

JBR, SCR, MHAFB

Typical dry year growth, mowed or subject to grazing, moderate regrowth

GR4 Load and depth are greater than GR2; fuelbed depth is about 2 feet, approximately 2.15 tons per acre of fuel.

JBR, SCR, MHAFB

Wet year, mowed or unmowed, grazed or ungrazed, complete regrowth

GR7 Load and depth are greater than GR2; continuous dry climate grass, about 3 feet in height. Fine fuel load 6.4 tons per acre.

JBR, SCR, MHAFB

Grassland with shrub component; shrubs less than 50% cover, shrubs 1-3 feet tall

GS2 Grass component is moderate.

Fine fuels 2.1 tons per acre, spread rate is high and flame length is moderate.

Most of JBR, most shrublands on SCR, most shrublands on MHAFB

Low shrublands absent cheatgrass

SH1 Low shrub fuel load, fuelbed depth is about 1 foot, grasses may be present, fine fuel load 1.7 tons per acre; spread rate and flame length very low

Around Grasmere EC site, some locations on SCR

Moderate shrub with few grasses

SH2 More fuel load than SH1, with very little grasses present. Fine fuel load (primarily shrub litter)

5.2 tons per acre.

SCR, JBR, and MHAFB

Areas of bareground do not burn and act to slow or stop wildfires. Fuel models GR1- GR7 are grasslands with little or no shrubs present. Areas with shrubs are represented by GS2, SH1, and SH2. Typically, an increase in shrubs results in a decrease in grasses (fine fuels). However, some areas on MHAFB and MHRC have mature sagebrush and a continuous and robust understory of cheatgrass. Fuel model SH2 would represent this condition, with cheatgrass biomass making up the fine fuels rather than shrub litter.

Fuel types GR1-GR7 will cure quickly in the season or later depending on the amount of annual grasses present in the system. Annual grasses can cure as early as April but are fully cured by June. Perennial grasses in these systems cure later, in July and August.

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Fall rains cause perennial grasses to resume green growth after late summer dormancy.

Areas with high densities of annual grasses will remain a fire hazard after fire season is over, but become less so as temperatures drop and precipitation increases. Fires in GR1- GR7 fuel types are typically light fires, and can be slow or fast depending on winds.

Light fires result in fuels being partially or wholly consumed, but with little damage to the soils and seedbanks underlying these fuel types.

Fuel types GS2, SH1, and SH2 are at most risk during July-September, becoming less at risk as temperatures drop and precipitation increases in fall. Fires in these fuel types may spread quickly through the fine fuels if high winds are present, rapidly increasing the fire front while the shrub component takes a long time to burn. This fuel type has the potential to create very large, very hot, rapidly growing fires. Fires in GS2, SH1, and SH2 can result in catastrophic damage to soils and seedbanks, and are subject to wind and water erosion following wildfires.

Firebreaks and Fuelbreaks The firebreak system at SCR and on MHAFB has helped contain wildfires in the past and is a significant contributor to fire suppression effectiveness. However, these provide only a static defense system that is most effective when firefighters are available who can reinforce these lines. Under dry and/or windy conditions, firebreaks are not always effective due to the probability of fire spotting over the break. Spot fires across a firebreak can occur from a variety of sources, including tumbleweeds, firebrands from burning vegetation, direct flame impingement, and radiant heat from the main fire.

MHAFB has a system of firebreaks using the existing perimeter road, and strategically plowed firebreaks within open/unimproved areas on base. Disked firebreaks are in place by MOAB, the base hospital, east of base housing, and other areas on base.

SCR has a firebreak system in areas at highest risk of wildfire to minimize the spread of fires. A 100' wide firebreak surrounds the Impact Area, with internal firebreaks along roads, targets, and facilities that are maintained during the fire season. SCR firebreaks are plowed to remove all vegetation. Firebreaks on SCR are plowed just prior to the beginning of fire season and approximately two times thereafter until fire season is declared over.

JBR has a fuelbreak system based on herbicide applications and mowing. JBR is home to the rare plant slickspot peppergrass and is in good ecological condition. Plowing firebreaks eliminates desirable vegetation and creates conditions ideal for weed colonization and establishment of a weed seed source. The widespread creation and abandoning of plowed firebreaks, along with 60 years of training and annual fires on SCR Impact Area, has resulted in a huge weed problem and fire prone condition that may

- 8 -be irreversible. In order maintain JBR's good ecological condition, mowing fuelbreaks was adopted to protect slickspot peppergrass from weed invasion, a major threat. All roads are mowed or treated with growth inhibitors. This allows desirable plants to occupy sites instead of opening up the sites for weed colonization. Fuelbreaks reduce flame length and spread by interrupting the fuel source available to wildfires. Inside the 640 acre JBR Impact Area, two concentric rings are mowed annually to act as fuelbreaks.

When planning for prescribed fires and when suppressing wildfire, natural and existing man-made features will be used whenever possible. If a wildfire escapes initial attack, firebreaks or fuelbreaks provide the most logical location for fire containment lines. Well maintained firebreaks and fuelbreaks provide defensible space, which aids in wildfire containment. Maintenance treatments are necessary because vegetation will grow back over time. Fire breaks must be constructed and maintained, or rehabilitated to prevent weed invasion.

Fuel Management Fuels are managed using a wide variety of tools. Mowing, grazing, seeding to fire resistant vegetation, and reducing weeds through seeding and herbicides are all vegetation manipulation techniques with varying degrees of effectiveness. Vegetation manipulation tools are selected based on starting points and desired future condition.

Vegetation is not managed only to reduce fire—management must be holistic and provide for the total number and types of uses. Ultimately, fuel management should reduce fire risk, be cost-effective, result in an upward/improving vegetation trend, reduce weeds, avoid impacts to slickspot peppergrass and sagebrush, support wildlife, and be integrated with mission requirements. Guidelines for selecting and applying vegetation manipulation tools are found in the INRMP, Chapter 6, Vegetation Section, and INRMP Appendix A, Component Plans, Vegetation.

Section 4 – Establishing Fire Season and Daily Fire Ratings Weather MHAFB and MHRC are semi arid and undergo the basic four season climatic trend.

Both occur in exposed locations and are subject to prevailing winds most of the time.

Few windless days occur. The wind trend on SCR is bi-modal: from the SE or the NW.

Winds on MHAFB are variable. No wind trend has been documented at JBR.

The average annual rainfall on MHAFB is 9.98 inches, with the majority occurring fall through spring. Summer thunderstorms that result in precipitation are infrequent. Most summer thunderstorms produce dry lightning, a significant cause of wildfires. The

- 9 -closest climate station to JBR is Castleford 2N. The average annual precipitation is 10.00 inches from the period of 1963-2005. SCR is closest to the Bruneau climate station, which reports an average of 7.44 inches per year for the period of 1962-2005. Recent years on MHAFB, SCR, and JBR have been drier than normal, with both the Bruneau station and Castleford 2N station reporting below average precipitation for 1999-2004.

The Mountain Home station recorded better than average precipitation only in 2004 and 2005. (http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/summary/climsmid.html)

Table 2. Precipitation for MHAFB, SCR, and JBR: 1999-2006.

Mountain Home Station-avg 9.98

Bruneau Station-avg 7.44

Castleford 2N Station-avg 10.00

Year Precip in inches Precip in inches Precip in inches

1999 7.51 4.65 4.90

2000 8.96 6.61 7.52

2001 4.58 5.10 6.31

2002 6.18 3.91 3.33

2003 9.23 7.34 5.61

2004 10.86 5.67 incomplete dataset

2005 14.00 10.21 11.09

2006 9.33 incomplete dataset incomplete dataset

Fire Season The wildland fire season in the MHAFB and MHRC typically begins in May or June and ends in October, as declared by 366 CES/CEF, and generally coincides with BLM declared fire season. Conditions may sometimes warrant an earlier declaration or extended fire season. Conditions that may cause an earlier fire season declaration include the following conditions present in April or May: below normal precipitation, above normal temperatures, sustained and greater than normal winds, 10 hour fuel moistures of 15% or less, consecutive thunderstorms with dry lightning, excess vegetation, build-up of fuels along fencelines or on the ranges, or any combination of these factors. Fires have started as late as October and November (24 November 06). There are significant peaks in fire danger in late summer when dry thunderstorms, standing dead and dormant vegetation, and lower relative humidity increase the probability that fires will start.

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Daily Fire Ratings Fire ratings provided by the South Central Idaho Interagency Dispatch Center (SCIIDC) in Shoshone, ID establish the starting point for 366 CES/CEF fire ratings. The BLM uses an interagency system, the National Fire Danger Rating System, for daily fire danger indices to predict ignition potential for specific areas. These indices are generated for an area by analyzing vegetation types, temperature, precipitation, fuel moisture, humidity, wind, lightning activity, and human factors. The BLM uses weather data to calculate a burning index and then adds in lightning, human interaction, and fire suppression resource availability to produce a fire rating classification for the grasslands/shrublands of southeastern Idaho.

Daily fire ratings for USAF property will be determined everyday during fire season.

366 CES/CEF will determine and broadcast daily fire ratings for MHAFB, SCR and JBR according to the following methods:

1. Call SCIIDC Dispatch for daily Fire Danger Rating and AM Briefing :

http://www.southidahofire.blm.gov/ 208-886-2373

2. Obtain Fire Danger Rating from the following websites:

http://www.idahofireinfo.blm.gov/south/index.htm

3. Access the following website maps for information on Haines Index (Lower Atmosphere Stability), Fire weather, fuel condition observations (10-hour fuels), predicted fire outlooks, lightning potentials (Lightning Activity Levels or LAL), and live fuel moisture: http://www.wfas.us/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=16

Table 3. Fire Danger Ratings and Factors

BLM

Rating

CEF

Rating

Hazard Restrictions NOTE: Hot spots are never allowed on JBR

Factors that would incur this rating

1 1 Low No special restrictions.

During the fire season, firefighters are on the range during normal working hours.

All necessary equipment is in place and training complete at the beginning of fire season.

All smoking material must be extinguished completely and properly disposed of in ashcans.

Low temperatures (50s-70s) High humidity (50-100%) Low windspeeds (0-5 knots) Green vegetation (>16% Ten-

Hour fuel moisture) Very low or absent LAL (1-2) Moist stable lower atmosphere Haines Index (2- Very Low Potential).

2 2 Moderate Smoking is permitted only in areas completely cleared of vegetation (firebreaks, road beds, graveled

Moderate temperatures (70s and 80s)

Moderate humidity(30-50%)

- 11 -areas, etc.). Low to moderate windspeeds (5-10 knots)

Green vegetation (9-15% Ten-Hour fuel moisture)

Low LAL (3) Haines Index (3- Very Low

Potential).

3 3 High Extreme caution is used during vehicle operations and maintenance.

Driving on two-track roads is only permitted in morning hours when humidity is higher and temperatures are lower.

Driving off road is prohibited except for emergency situations.

No hot spots or Smokey Guns can be used on SCR.

Firefighters are on duty during all dropping operations and are able to leave the range after 1/2 hour after the last drop to ensure no fire starts are present.

High temperatures (low 90s) Low humidity(20-30%) Moderate windspeeds (10-20 knots) Drying vegetation (7-8% Ten-

Hour fuel moisture) Moderate LAL (4) Haines Index (4-Low

Potential).

4 4 Very High

Target maintenance is only performed in morning hours and only as necessary.

Driving on two-track roads is prohibited except for emergencies.

Driving off road is prohibited except for emergency situations.

Flares and Chaff will be dropped above 5000 feet on SCR, JBR, and in the MOAs.

No hot spots or Smokey SAMS can be used on SCR.

Firefighters are on duty during all dropping operations and are able to leave the range after 1/2 hour after the last drop to ensure no fire starts are present.

Very High temperatures (high 90s)

Very low humidity (10-20%) High windspeeds (15-25 knots) Dry vegetation (5-6% Ten-

Hour fuel moisture) High LAL (5) Haines Index (5-Moderate

Potential).

5 5 Extreme Ordnance delivery operations cease, unless precluded by order of the Range Operating Authority (designated by the 366 FW/CC) as determined to be mission essential.

Firefighters are maintained on the range during the daily established

Record High temperatures (100s)

Extremely low humidity (5- 10%)

Very high windspeeds (greater than 25 knots, or high winds with gusts and

- 12 -flying window in a ready posture to fight any fire.

changing wind directions) Very dry vegetation (1-4%

Ten-Hour fuel moisture) Very high LAL (6) Haines Index (6-High

Potential, Very Dry Unstable Lower Atmosphere).

Section 5 – Organizational Structure for Fire-related Activities Responsibilities The 366 FW/CC or appropriate designee defines the roles and responsibilities for wildland fire management on the installation, plans and programs resources, and designates the installation Wildland Fire Manager. He also approves the installation WFMP and ensures the maintenance of training records by 366 CES/CEF.

The 366 CES/CEF ensures the base fire department and Primary Training Range (PTR) Contractor personnel have the minimum wildland fire suppression training and equipment necessary to safely respond to initial attack incidents on MHAFB and MHRC.

Additionally, the 366 CES/CEF coordinates with the PTR Contractor and BLM to ensure safe and seamless takeover of command in the event an incident exceeds the capabilities of PTR Contractor and 366 CES/CEF resources.

The PTR Contractor, as delineated in the PTR Contract, has primary firefighting duties on all of Juniper Butte Range and within the Impact Area of Saylor Creek Range, in conjunction with 366 CES/CEF. 366 CES/CEF has primary firefighting responsibilities for wildland fires that occur on MHAFB and the Small Arms Range off base. 366 CES/CEF has secondary firefighting responsibilities, as requested by the State of Idaho or the Bureau of Land Management, for wildland fires in the vicinity of MHAFB and on the Public Use Land of SCR.

Response time for the BLM fire suppression crews to the MHRC varies from 1.5 to 3 hours after the fire has been reported and assistance is requested. However, response time at JBR is greatly improved because BLM stages crews and fire suppression capabilities onsite. A fire crew is also located at Rogerson and will respond to fires in the Jarbidge Resource Area. Additional personnel, pumper trucks, slip-ons, air support tankers, and helicopters are available, as necessary, through the BLM.

BLM will have full access to JBR if fire assistance is requested by the Air Force or its contractors. All aircraft called in to assist with fire suppression must request air space clearance through Cowboy Control (208-828-4804), radar approach control (RAPCON)

Angelia.Binder The 366 FW/CC or appropriate designee defines the roles and responsibilities for wildland fire management on the installation, plans and programs resources, and designates the installation Wildland Fire Manager. He also approves the installation WFMP and ensures the maintenance of training records by 366 CES/CEF.

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(208-828-2854) or the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Salt Lake City Center (801-320-2567). The USAF has a Letter of Agreement with the BLM that addresses procedures for BLM firefighting aircraft to enter the MHRC airspace. It is not anticipated that BLM will need ground access the Impact Area on SCR.

The Head PTR Contractor on the range will determine when additional assistance is required to contain or control a fire on the range and prevent it from spreading to adjoining lands. When in doubt, call for assistance. Upon immediate determination that assistance is required on the range, the Head PTR Contractor or RCO will notify both the SCIIDC by telephone (208-886-7633/2373) or radio frequency (163.9375 mHz) and the 366 CES/CEF Dispatch Center (208-828-6292). Once onsite, the BLM’s Incident Commander will assume control of the fire until the fire is extinguished.

Bruneau EMT and Grandview ambulance will respond to the emergency calls in the MHRC, if requested. MHAFB hospital will provide medical assistance to BLM or contract personnel transported from the MHRC to MHAFB, if needed. BLM is responsible for coordinating transportation for the injured party.

Enough firefighting personnel will be on site during fire season to operate all water tenders simultaneously if conditions warrant a maximum effort on a wildfire. Personnel allocations are most critical for JBR due its remoteness and response times from base.

366 CES/CEF will ensure that Wildland Firefighting I (NFPA 1051 Levels) training and certification is provided for all assigned firefighters, including PTR Contractor personnel, initially and at the recurrent frequencies established in the Annual Training Plan. FMP 32-2001-07 Training outlines the training and certification procedures utilizing the Homeland Fire and Resource Management Wildland Firefighter 2 (NWCG Level) multimedia training series and DoD Firefighter Certification from AFCESA (when available).

All fire protection personnel will comply with the contents of this plan as it pertains to their assigned duties.

HQ AFCESA/CEXF is the executive agent for the DoD Fire Fighter Certification Program and will be responsible for issuing, maintaining and tracking NFPA wildland firefighter certifications for levels identified in AFI 32-7064, Chapter 12, table 12.1 and

NFPA 1051.

Vehicles and Equipment Vehicles dispatched to combat wildland fires shall be suitable for the assigned task. As a general rule, firefighting on SCR and JBR involves vehicles, operators, and water application to the fire. Most of SCR and JBR is readily accessible by vehicle traveling on

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(208-828-2854) or the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Salt Lake City Center (801-320-2567). The USAF has a Letter of Agreement with the BLM that addresses procedures for BLM firefighting aircraft to enter the MHRC airspace. It is not anticipated that BLM will need ground access the Impact Area on SCR.

The Head PTR Contractor on the range will determine when additional assistance is required to contain or control a fire on the range and prevent it from spreading to adjoining lands. When in doubt, call for assistance. Upon immediate determination that assistance is required on the range, the Head PTR Contractor or RCO will notify both the SCIIDC by telephone (208-866-7633/2373) or radio frequency (163.9375 mHz) and the 366 CES/CEF Dispatch Center (208-828-6292). Once onsite, the BLM’s Incident Commander will assume control of the fire until the fire is extinguished.

Bruneau EMT and Grandview ambulance will respond to the emergency calls in the MHRC, if requested. MHAFB hospital will provide medical assistance to BLM or contract personnel transported from the MHRC to MHAFB, if needed. BLM is responsible for coordinating transportation for the injured party.

Enough firefighting personnel will be on site during fire season to operate every piece of equipment simultaneously for an immediate and complete attack on a wildfire using every available capability.

366 CES/CEF will ensure that Wildland Firefighting I (NFPA 1051 Levels) training and certification is provided for all assigned firefighters, including PTR Contractor personnel, initially and at the recurrent frequencies established in the Annual Training Plan. FMP 32-2001-07 Training outlines the training and certification procedures utilizing the Homeland Fire and Resource Management Wildland Firefighter 2 (NWCG Level) multimedia training series and DoD Firefighter Certification from AFCESA (when available).

All fire protection personnel will comply with the contents of this plan as it pertains to their assigned duties.

HQ AFCESA/CEXF is the executive agent for the DoD Fire Fighter Certification Program and will be responsible for issuing, maintaining and tracking NFPA wildland firefighter certifications for levels identified in AFI 32-7064, Chapter 12, table 12.1 and

NFPA 1051.

Vehicles and Equipment Vehicles dispatched to combat wildland fires shall be suitable for the assigned task. As a general rule, firefighting on SCR and JBR involves vehicles, operators, and water application to the fire. Most of SCR and JBR is readily accessible by vehicle traveling on

- 14 -roads or, if necessary, off road travel is allowed for suppression response. Engines apply water and dozers and disks cut in firelines.

Suppression equipment on MHAFB includes one wildland fire engine, one 750-gallon tank with hand line, one 5,000-gallon water tender, one 1,500-gallon water tanker, and a variety of hand tools and water backpacks.

Suppression equipment on SCR includes two graders to cut in fire lines, one John Deere tractor that tows a 20-foot-wide disk harrow, one 2.5-ton pumper truck with a 1,200-gallon tank, two 1-ton trucks with 250-gallon and 350-gallon slip-on tanks, respectively, one 10,000-gallon stationary water tank, one 3,000-gallon mobile water tank, hand tools, and various smaller backpack water sprayers.

Suppression equipment on JBR consists of one 1,200-gallon pumper truck, two 250-gallon slip-ons, one 3,000-gallon tanker truck, one CASE 200-hp tractor that tows a 20-foot wide disk harrow, and one 50,000-gallon water tank at the maintenance facility.

Using hand crews is not the primary firefighting strategy on SCR and JBR. Hand tools used for ground operations are maintained at SCR and JBR in ready storage or pre-positioned on vehicles and available for use when manning is sufficient and fire conditions permit ground operations.

All vehicles and equipment will be inspected, serviced, repaired, and maintained according to technical order requirements, manufacturer’s guidance, NFPA requirements and recommended practice prior to, during, and after fire season.

Radio communications shall be provided and utilized by all units/personnel operating on the fire ground. The radio frequencies normally utilized in the MHRC are the Saylor Creek channel and EOD channel.

Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment (PPE) Fire and Emergency Services personnel will be issued the following NFPA 1977 compliant Wildland Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment:

Hard Hat Shirt, Pants, Boots, Gloves Goggles Fire Shelter 2 – 1qt Canteens Web Belt Back Pack Standing Order/Watch out Card Particulate Filter Masks (or applicable NFPA standard)

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Wildland firefighting PPE will be worn by firefighters assigned to SCR and JBR and will be worn on all wildland fire responses.

If Wildland PPE is not immediately accessible, or time (vehicle assignment) does not permit donning of Wildland PPE, the structural helmet, bunker coat, and structural gloves with the work/station uniform will be worn. Rubber boots and structural pants will not be worn for wildland firefighting.

Section 6 – Personnel Training and Certification Standards and Records All wildland firefighting personnel of the 366 CES/CEF and the PTR Contractor shall receive training and appropriate certifications prior to conducting wildland firefighting operations.

Certification: All personnel conducting wildland firefighting operations will meet the certification standards specified in NFPA 1051, Standard for Wildland Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications for Wildland Firefighter I and NFPA 1002, Standard for Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator Professional Qualifications.

As an interim measure, until HQ AFCESA/CEXF develops the Driver/Operator Wildland Fire Apparatus course, the D/O Pumper, Mobile Water Supply and ARFF will be the acceptable certification levels.

HQ AFCESA/CEXF will issue Wildland Firefighter I Certification (when available), through reciprocity following successful completion of those requirements identified in

NFPA 1051.

Wildland Firefighting training IAW NFPA 1051 and the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) shall be provided for all personnel conducting wildland firefighting operations initially and annually.

Joint training opportunities can be explored to enhance training opportunities and costs, and response effectiveness with BLM.

Training documentation shall be maintained in the military members AF Form 623, the AF Form 1028, and the 6-part folder and the Assistant Chief for Training’s Certification database. PTR Contractor records will be maintained by the PTR Contractor Training Officer, reviewed annually for compliance by the Range Contractor QAE, and submitted annually to the 366 CES/CEF. Civilian employees may elect to enter the data into their career brief, part 3 of the civilian employee work folder, in addition to the 6-part folder and the Assistant Chief for Training’s Certification database.

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Section 7 – Physical Fitness Standards Wildland Fire Suppression The practical skills identified in NFPA 1051 shall be completed during initial and recurring training. Medical and physical examinations are conducted annually, (IAW NFPA 1582, Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments), by the 366th Medical Group for military personnel and IAW the PTR Contract for PTR Contractor personnel. Both 366 CES/CEF and BLM Firefighters meet Physical Fitness Standards under the appropriate category of Wildland Firefighter certification commensurate with job duties.

Prescribed Fire

All personnel conducting prescribed burns must have, prior to conducting any prescribed fire:

1. A Prescribed Fire Plan reviewed by 366 CES/CEF and approved by the Wildland Fire Program Manager;

2. An AF Form 813, Request for Environmental Analysis, completed and approved by 366 CES/CEVA;

3. Documented coordination with the BLM.

At the present time, MHAFB does not normally conduct prescribed burns on MHAFB or the MHRC. If warranted, the 366 CES/CEF would conduct prescribed burns on MHAFB. If warranted, the PTR Contractor may conduct prescribed burns on SCR. Under very special circumstances, prescribed fire may be allowed on JBR. Prescribed burns are also conducted by BLM under the Interagency Support Agreement in the MHRC. Both 366 CES/CEF and BLM Firefighters meet Physical Fitness Standards under the appropriate category of Wildland Firefighter certification commensurate with job duties.

Section 8 – Wildfire Detection and Response Procedures Detection Detection for fires in the Impact Area of SCR and for JBR is usually rapid due to the RCO on site at SCR and a firewatch posted at the Maintenance Facility on JBR. WISS cameras are also useful for monitoring the ranges and detecting fire starts. In areas outside the Impact Area of SCR or JBR, fire detection capability is limited and may not occur until a wildfire is quite large and smoke plumes alert ground personnel. Aircrews are required to report range fires in the MHAFB MOAs through established procedures.

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Wildfires reported to the RCO on SCR or fireguard on JBR are immediately reported to 366 CES/CEF and SCIIDC Dispatch Centers.

Response Procedures for MHAFB Initial attack response to wildfires at MHAFB is handled by the 366 CES/CEF. Should the wildfire exceed the capabilities of the 366 CES/CEF, MHAFB has mutual aid agreements with surrounding fire departments to provide wildland firefighting capabilities for MHAFB on request.

Firefighting procedures: Whenever fire suppression activities are required, Airfield Management would direct the termination of aircraft operations on MHAFB.

All MHAFB fires will be extinguished immediately.

Controllable Range Fire: A fire on MHAFB that 366 CES/CEF can extinguish.

Uncontrollable Range Fire: A fire where the 366 CES/CEF feels the size, location, wind conditions, or other factors may cause the fire to exceed assigned equipment and resources.

Response Procedures for MHRC Initial attack response to wildfires on SCR Impact Area and JBR is the responsibility of the PTR Contractor. The RCO or Fireguard determines the magnitude of the threat and directs an immediate response to quickly and completely suppress all wildland fires. The RCO or Fireguard also informs the 366 CES/CEF of the wildland fire. In the event a wildland fire is too large for immediate suppression, the RCO or Fireguard informs the 366 CES/CEF that assistance is needed. The 366 CES/CEF contacts BLM to request assistance.

Firefighting procedures: Whenever fire suppression activities are required, the RCO directs the termination of all range operations at SCR or JBR.

All MHRC fires will be extinguished immediately.

Controllable Range Fire: A fire on the SCR Impact Area or JBR which can be extinguished with SCR/JBR assets. The RCO or Fireguard will report the location, size, and firefighting status to the 366 CES/CEF.

Uncontrollable Range Fire: A fire where the RCO or Fireguard feels the size, location, wind conditions, or other factors may cause the fire to exceed assigned equipment and resources.

In the event that the RCO or Fireguard is not able to contact or communicate with the 366 CES/CEF to ask for assistance, the RCO or Fireguard may contact BLM directly to request assistance to protect USAF assets.

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Response to wildland fires in the SCR Impact Area and JBR may be delayed because PTR Contractor personnel conducting wildland firefighting operations may only be on-site during flight operations, depending on the Daily Fire Rating (see Section 4). Initial attack outside of these times would most likely be from 366 CES/CEF personnel and the BLM. BLM will conduct wildland firefighting operations on SCR outside the Impact Area as per the Interagency Support Agreement. However, BLM would not conduct operations inside the SCR Impact Area without a request from MHAFB. The Interagency Support Agreement allows BLM to conduct firefighting operations on JBR when BLM crews are on site, but the PTR Contractor or MHAFB personnel are not on site (typically overnight and on weekends) if a wildland fire is detected. During this scenario, BLM is authorized to fight fires without a specific request from MHAFB. BLM will contact 366 Command Post and 366 CES/CEF as soon as possible during this type of emergency.

Communication Radio communications will use the predominate base frequency and the Saylor Creek channel. Radio frequencies for Mutual Aid Agreements will be identified and agreed upon prior to renewal of the agreements. A written communication plan for incoming resources is important to ensure safe and effective use of mutual aid resources.

An informal after action review (lessons learned) critique involving the major players will be conducted as needed after a wildfire or prescribed burn to evaluate topics such as the initial response, control methods used, and safety concerns.

The fire department will conduct a post incident analysis of significant incidents or those that involve serious injury or death.

The fire department incident safety officer shall be involved in the post-incident analysis as defined in NFPA 1561, Standard on Emergency Services Incident Management System.

The analysis process shall include a standardized action plan for any necessary changes.

On an annual basis, the Wildland Fire Manager, OSS Range Officer and the Fire Chief will review the activities of the year to determine program effectiveness. At this time the WFMP should be reviewed and changes made if needed.

Section 9 – Safety and Emergency Operations Firefighter and public safety shall be the highest priority while operating at any emergency scene. Firefighter and public safety is the first priority on every fire, including prescribed fire. No improvement or natural resource takes precedent over human safety. It is the responsibility of the IC to ensure all operational decisions are based on sound risk management principles.

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The safety and welfare of all personnel conducting wildland fighting operations shall be the first and foremost consideration in all incident operations and decisions. Personnel accountability is ultimately the responsibility of each person conducting wildland firefighting operations and the RCO or Fireguard. BLM Incident Commander, or 366 CES/CEF assumes responsibility when on site.

Vehicle operators will keep all personnel conducting ground operations in full view at all times. Vehicles will be stopped when all personnel cannot be observed.

Special Areas of Concern There are no known Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) locations at MHAFB. No areas are inappropriate for wildland firefighters to enter. The SCR Impact Area, SCR public use area, and JBR can contain UXOs and are of special concern. Personnel conducting wildland firefighting operations are required to have a UXO safety brief from 366 CES/CED personnel annually to ensure hazards are well known and appropriate courses of action are taken if UXO hazards are encountered.

Wildfire Evacuation Plan Plans and procedures for emergency evacuation of surrounding communities are covered under the base Emergency Management Plan and CE Contingency Response Plan. In the event a wildfire escapes control and threatens nearby communities, these emergency guides will be implemented.

Section 10 – Risk Assessment/Decision Analysis Processes Sound operational risk management will be the foundation for all wildfire management plans and activities. Setting accurate daily fire ratings and following activity restrictions are important factors to minimize risks.

Values at Risk Values which may be at risk of wildfires due to their proximity to wildland fuels include military family housing (MFH) residential areas, base and range infrastructure, and remote communications systems. Some single family homes are near MHAFB, but most lands near or adjacent to MHAFB are privately owned irrigated farmlands, BLM rangelands, State of Idaho endowment lands, or privately owned rangelands. The risk to the military family housing areas is largely mitigated by Fire Station 2 within the MFH and the urban greenspace within MFH. MFH areas are also separated from outside wildland fuels by the perimeter road. Privately owned areas outside the base have varying

- 20 -fuel loads which can be treated only by the landowner. Therefore, some risk still exists in these areas.

In the MHRC, values at risk include military training assets such as electronic combat threat emitters, communications facilities and infrastructure, weapons scoring systems, and operations and maintenance structures. Lands comprising the MHRC are wholly surrounded by BLM or State of Idaho endowment lands (rangelands). Localized ranching improvements (fencing and water developments) may be affected by wildland fires.

Section 11 – Interagency Cooperation and Mutual Aid Agreements As part of the Interagency Site Support Agreement Between 366th Fighter Wing, Mountain Home Air Force Base and the U.S. Department of Interior, BLM, Lower Snake River District (July 2003), fire support is provided by BLM for emitters and ND targets.

BLM will notify MHAFB and the PTR Contractor if a wildfire occurs on an unmanned range. BLM will respond to fires on JBR, SCR, and on MHAFB at the request of the 366 CES/CEF, or in the event of an emergency, by request of the RCO or Fireguard.

The Interagency Agreement defines MHAFB and BLM responsibilities for pre-suppression, suppression, and post-suppression activities. Pre-suppression activities include prescribed burning of tumbleweeds along fencelines (conducted by BLM), and staging crews at JBR. Post-suppression activities can include firefighting evaluation, rehab coordination, and fencing to restrict cattle on SCR to protect post-fire rehab seedings.

Section 12 – Mission Impact Considerations Operations at MHAFB and in the MHRC will be adjusted to respond to wildfire, smoke, or daily fire ratings as described in Table 4 and in accordance with 366 OG direction.

Fire damage may create conditions adversely affecting training operations. Bare ground created by fire damage may inhibit flying and ground operations due to low visibility from blowing dust.

Smoke from prescribed burning poses a potential negative impact to plan implementation. As a result, prescribed burning will be limited to non-flying times.

Because prescribed burning is a weather-determined activity, the ability to use this tool to its greatest effect is limited. Prescribed burning will be scheduled and de-conflicted with flying operations.

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Section 13 – Natural and Cultural Resource Considerations Natural Resources Fire is not normally used to manage any of the ecosystems at MHAFB and MHRC.

These ecosystems have been altered by cheatgrass and other annual invasive species which makes them more fire prone. Repeat fires eliminate native fire-resistant vegetation and select for these fire prone species to proliferate.

Prescribed burns should be as small as…