DAKOTA PRAIRIE GRASSLANDS

FIRE MANAGEMENT

OPERATIONS GUIDE

2012

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Wildland Fire Management Program Overview Accountability and Responsibility 4 Range of Potential Behavior 8 Fire Management Units (FMU) 9 Wildland Fire Preparedness Fire Prevention 10 Closures and Restrictions 11 Fire Training 12 Redcard Committee 13 Position Taskbooks 13 Work Capacity Test 13 Readiness 14 Season Start and Stop Dates 14 Fire Caches 14 Detection 15 Communications 15 Fire Weather 15 Fire Danger 16 Staffing 17 Preparedness 17 Draw Down Levels 20

Aviation 21

Initial Attack I/A Priorities 23 Fire Incident Response 23 Risk Decision Framework 24 Organizational Needs Assessment 24 Incident Organizations 25 Fire Suppression Restrictions and Limitations 25 Special Concerns 27

Extended Attack and Large Fire Suppression Thresholds for Large Fire Occurrence 30 Extended Attack 30 Cost Share Agreements 31 North Dakota Incident Mgmt. Assist. Teams 31 WFDSS 31 Incident Management Transition 32 Delegation of Authority 32 BAER 32

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Fuels Management Prescribed Fire 33

Annual Monitoring Requirements 35

Annual Reporting Requirements 35

Coop. Agreements and Interagency Contacts 35

Appendices Appendix A: Restrictions and Closures 37 Appendix B: Radio Communications 40 Appendix C: Delegation of Authority 47 Appendix D: DPG Pocket Cards 49

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WILDLAND FIRE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM OVERVIEW

On the Northern Great Plains, fire hazard can be related to historical processes, climatic patterns, fuel flammability and fuel loads. Characteristics of prairie wildfire are continuous fuels, time lags of one hour or less (fuel moisture changing in response to the environment), and rapid rates of consumption. With cured fuels, high temperatures, low relative humidity and strong winds, fires in grasslands can produce significant flame lengths and high rates of spread. Establishing operational processes for preparedness, initial attack, extended attack and large fire management, and being able to provide those within very short time frames, is the key to safe, efficient, and effective response.

The Dakota Prairie Grasslands Land Management Plan identifies the appropriate management response on all managed lands is to suppress all wildland fires using aggressive initial attack to control a fire. The suppression response will be timely, effective and efficient, and provide for safety first. In cases where a wildland fire exceeds initial attack action levels and/or the thresholds for large fire occurrence specified in the Fire Management Plan are being met, the Wildland Fire Decision Support System (WFDSS) will be used to develop and document appropriate strategies and response.

Accountability and Responsibility

Program Leaders have the authority to direct suppression and hazard fuel reduction programs through oversight, guidance, and evaluation. Leaders should make timely decisions based upon the best available information within the parameters of accepted standards. The Grassland Leadership Team (GLT) embraces firefighter safety as stated in the Federal Wildland and Prescribed Fire Management Policy and Program Review: “Once people are committed to an incident, those resources become the highest values to be protected and receive the highest management considerations”.

Grasslands Supervisor

Provides grassland-wide oversight for all fire management activities, and is responsible for the safety of all personnel involved in those activities including:

o Establishes expectations for annual preparedness, proficiency, performance and safety.o Delegates authority to IC Type 1-5 to determine appropriate suppression response and tactics,

and ensure the safety of firefighters.o Delegates signature authority to qualified District Rangers (and Acting District Rangers) for all

prescribed burns.o Retains Wildland Fire Decisions Support System (WFDSS) signature authority where wildland

fires will encompass more than one District, or will not exceed $2 million in suppression costs. Delegates WFDSS signature authority to District Rangers (and Acting District Rangers) within existing Forest Service policy.

o Responsible for all wildland fires managed under suppression strategy and assigned to an incident management team, within defined cost containment parameters.

o Responsible for notifying the Regional Forester of any entrapment, serious injury or fatality.

Grasslands Fire Board

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The Fire Board is comprised of the District Rangers and the Grasslands Fire Management Officer, with responsibilities for coordinating grassland-wide fire management activities including:

o Determining an annual program of worko Providing fire program directiono Providing input for evaluation appraisals for fire personnel.o Active participation in preparedness reviews.

Zone Supervisory Ranger

The Medora District Ranger provides supervisory oversight for the Dakota Prairie Grassland’s fire management activities with responsibilities that include:

o Supervision of the Zone Fire Management Officero Interacting with other District Rangers and the Grasslands FMO, and providing general direction

to the program of work for zone fire personnel.o Oversight of the evaluation and performance of the zone fire management program.

District Ranger

Provides District oversight for all fire management activities and is directly responsible for the safety of all personnel involved in those activities on their District. Oversight includes active participation in:

o Communicating leadership expectations in fire management.o Ensuring safety compliance. o Ensuring that fatigue in wildland fire personnel is appropriately addressed.o Identification of appropriate management response to a wildland fire and development of

necessary organization to manage the response based on risk assessment.o Initiation and organization of the WFDSS planning and risk assessment process, the definition of

objectives in the delegation of authority, the completion of the briefing packet for large fire management, the identification of a Resource Advisor and presentation of this information to the Grassland Supervisor.

o Briefing Incident Commanders regarding fire suppression objectives, considerations, and constraints on large fires.

o Approving prescribed burn plans or designating authority for signing approval.o Once prescribed burn plans are signed by the District Ranger or designee, provides written

approval for any deviation from prescriptive limits.o Notifies the Grasslands Supervisor of any entrapment, serious injury or fatality.

Program Staff Officer

Supervises the Grasslands Fire Management Officer and provides general direction on program and fiscal management. In the absence of the Grasslands Supervisor, serves as the designated Acting Grasslands Supervisor and is delegated signature authority for fire suppression as described in the responsibilities of the Grasslands Supervisor.

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Grasslands Fire Management Officer

Provides specific program direction regarding fiscal management, allocation and distribution of budget, fire and fuels planning coordination, and leadership and situational awareness in wildland fire suppression, prescribed fire, and non-fire incidents.

Ensures annual adjustments to the Fire Management Plan (FMP) to reflect current conditions and other significant considerations. Provides oversight and direction in the development of preparedness and prevention programs, the FMP, operation and mobilization guides, preparedness reviews, wildland fire management responses, and training and qualification programs. Collaborates with geographic area counterparts and serves as the primary representative to the region in negotiating financial needs and program activities. Establishes standards, objectives and guidelines for prescribed fire activities and assures coordination with the zone, geographic and national levels as needed. Develops and coordinates fire agreements with fire departments and other local, state, tribal and federal agencies.

Coordinates workforce and equipment needs for management activities, and ensures that suppression actions and hazard fuel reduction activities do not exceed the grasslands capabilities and meets geographic area direction. Coordinates with the Grasslands Supervisor and District Rangers to organize and identify team members needed to complete a WFDSS. Prior to Grassland Supervisor approval, reviews and recommends the appropriate suppression and management response to wildland fires. Serves as the DPG restrictions and closure coordinator, and is responsible for interacting with other protection agencies.

Grasslands Fire Duty Officer

Must possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to provide oversight to ensure IC’s are qualified and thoroughly briefed on suppression response and tactics, and ensure the IC is made known to assigned firefighters. Monitors incidents to ensure ICs operate within the limits of available resources and the appropriate ICS organization is in place to execute tactical decisions. Provides direction in prioritizing staffing, prepositioning of resources, and ensuring draw down levels are met on a daily basis based on Preparedness Levels.

Per approval by the Grasslands Supervisor, assignment of Grasslands Fire Duty Officer roles and responsibilities is based on work experience and fire knowledge, skills and abilities rather than IQCS qualifications. When conditions warrant the need for a qualified Duty Officer (ICT3), based on high fire activity, high fire intensity levels, and high fire complexity, a qualified Duty Officer will be ordered.

Zone Fire Management Officer and Zone Assistant Fire Management Officer

Responsible for the implementation of all preparedness and suppression activities in the Zone. This includes program management, supervision, training, career enhancement, and target accomplishments, with strict adherence to policy, direction and plans. Coordinates with the District Rangers and Grasslands FMO during initial fire assessment and recommends the appropriate

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management response to the District Rangers. Certifies Work Capacity Test (WCT) Administrators and establishes protocols for test administration.

Responsible for seasonal hiring, developing work schedules, tracking firefighting resources, flight following, equipment readiness and radio communications. Responsible for conducting After Action Reviews on at least 25% of Type 4 and 5 incidents, and 100% of Type 3 incidents. The ZAFMO works and coordinates with local fire suppression resources on the Little Missouri NG.

Zone Fire Management Officer and Zone Fuels Specialist

Has responsibility for planning, development and implementation of all hazardous fuel treatments, and vegetation management treatments involving prescribed fire in the Zone. This includes fuels program management and target accomplishments, with strict adherence to policy, direction and plans. Coordinates with District Rangers and Grasslands FMO on planning and implementation of treatments and monitoring post-burn fire affects. Works and coordinates with local, tribal, state and federal fire suppression resources to assist with prescribed fire implementation.

Responsible for participating on interdisciplinary teams, as the fire program representative, in developing environment assessments and environmental impact statements that pertain to the use of fire for natural resource management.

Supervisory Engine Foreman and Assistant Supervisory Engine Foreman

Responsible for the daily preparedness of equipment and crew to include safety checks and weather briefings. Carries out daily assignments for prevention, suppression and project work as assigned.

Responsible for the safe operation of the fire engine module while responding to wildland fires. As qualified, may function as IC on Type 4 and 5 incidents. Provides initial size up to Dispatch and ensures all assigned firefighters understand:

o the incident organization including strategy, tactics and objectives.o safety information including LCES, aviation support and communicationso the effects of fuels, weather and topography on fire behavior

Develops, establishes and implements training specific to tactics, fire weather, fire behavior, line construction, proper equipment use, safety, air operations, and work/rest guidelines. Implements a comprehensive physical training program to ensure the engine module is able to perform required arduous firefighting duties.

Lead Firefighter and Firefighter Types 1 and 2

Firefighters are responsible for protecting themselves and co-workers from injury or accidents. May function as IC on Type 4 and 5 incidents, as qualified, and provide for the safety of those assigned to the incident. Understands that fireline personnel have the responsibility and the right to question fireline assignments when they feel safety is compromised, and understands the tactics and safety mitigation measures incorporated into a particular fire suppression response.

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Responsible for learning and understanding the effects of the daily fire weather forecast, previous days wildland fire activity, preparedness levels, and the Rangeland Fire Danger Index, ERC and BI influences on fire behavior. Without exception every firefighter will use the Incident Response Pocket Guide on every incident, assume personal responsibility for managing and meeting work/rest guidelines, and participate in a comprehensive physical training program to ensure the safe execution of their assigned firefighting duties.

Incident Commanders ICT3, ICT4, ICT5

Ensures all personnel assigned to an incident are thoroughly briefed on tactics before suppression actions are taken. Briefings will include organization, communications, current and anticipated fire weather and fire behavior, safety, risk management (including LCES), tactical objectives and assignments, and identification of trigger points to reassess tactical actions. Monitors fatigue and ensures all firefighting personnel receive adequate opportunities for rest. Any operational period exceeding 16 hours in length will be discussed with the Duty Officer and measures initiated to reduce fatigue will be documented.

The Incident Commander will develop and implement a viable and decisive tactical plan based on incident complexity and size-up. Maintains command and control of the incident and the assigned firefighting resources, equipment and aircraft at all times. Re-evaluates tactical actions when initial tactics fail or cannot be safely executed.

Minimizes suppression related impacts to protect natural resources and improvements within the fire area. Includes federal, state, tribal and local cooperators in the incident organization, and encourages them to participate in the development of strategies and tactics to safely and efficiently meet incident objectives. Establishes effective communications with cooperating resources on each incident prior to executing tactical actions.

North Dakota Dispatch Center- Logistics Dispatcher

Works in an interagency capacity in carrying out the tasks involved in the dispatching of personnel, equipment and supplies to manage and support large wildland fires. Responsible for planning and carrying out fire management projects such as fire reports and maintaining IQCS data and records for Dakota Prairie Grasslands personnel.

Local Fire Support (Militia)

Provides assistance and support for operations, logistics, planning, finance, and dispatch communications for local incidents. Operations personnel will meet the standards required by the Wildland Fire Qualifications Subsystem Guide, NWCG 310-1, and the Wildland Fire Qualifications Handbook, FSH 5109.17. Other support personnel will be assigned non-operational duties based on their knowledge, experience and competency. If workload and complexity increases, appropriate resource orders will be placed to fill these positions with qualified personnel.

Range of Potential Behavior

A range of fire behavior can be experienced on the Dakota Prairie Grasslands ranging from low intensity grass fires to high intensity stand replacement fires in pine and juniper stands. Fuel moisture conditions,

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weather, and topography are major factors in determining fire behavior and intensity. These factors can vary widely from early spring through late fall.

Fire Danger Index Rating Fire Behavior Potential Low Weather and fuel conditions indicate

the probability of fire occurrence is low. Moderate Weather and fuel conditions indicate some

potential for fire occurrence. Expect predictablefire behavior with moderate rates of spread. Flamelengths 2-4 feet in grass fuels

High Fires are active. Expect moderate and occasionalhigh rates of spread. Flame lengths 3-5 feet ingrass fuels

Very High Fires spread rapidly and show erratic behavior. Highrates of spread with flame lengths 4-8 feet ingrass fuels

Extreme Potential for large fires exists. Extreme fire behaviorwith high rates of spread and flame lengths of 12feet or greater in grass fuels.

DPG Fire Management Units

The primary purpose of developing Fire Management Units (FMU) in fire management planning is to assist in organizing information in complex landscapes. Fire Management Units divide the landscape into smaller geographic areas to better describe safety considerations, physical, biological and social characteristics, and frame associated planning guidance based on these characteristics.

The Dakota Prairie Grasslands is divided into three Fire Management Units. The Sheyenne FMU encompasses the tall-grass prairie ecosystem in North Dakota and includes the Sheyenne NG. The Missouri FMU encompasses the mixed-grass prairie ecosystem in north central South Dakota and western North Dakota and includes the Little Missouri, Grand River and Cedar River NG. The Souris FMU encompasses forest/mixed grass prairie in north central North Dakota and includes the Denbigh and Souris Experimental Forests.

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PREPAREDNESS

Fire Prevention

Over the past ten years, fire statistics indicate an average of 30 fire occurrences per year, burning 4,100 acres, with an average fire size of 137 acres. Approximately 20% of all fires are less than ¼ acre in size (Class A), 35% are ¼ - 9 acres in size (Class B), 20% are 10-99 acres (Class C), 22% are 100-299 acres (Class D) and 3% are greater than 300 acres in size (Class E, F, G). Lightning accounts for approximately 40% of fire starts, with equipment and debris burning accounting for 60% of fire starts.

The goal of the fire prevention program is to reduce the number of preventable fires in addition to reducing the fire suppression costs and damage to resources associated with human-caused fires. Program components include education, enforcement, and administration. The DPG is an active member of the ND Fire Council Fire Prevention Committee which coordinates interagency fire prevention activities, and works closely with the ND Forest Service with development of community risk assessments and community emergency planning.

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Areas of concerned risk on the grasslands include:

Grassland Campgrounds and Recreation Areas: Includes National Grassland facilities such as campgrounds and high use trailheads. Risk is Medium/High, depending on severity of fire season. Values are high due to infrastructure. Action: Signing, patrols, and public contacts.

General dispersed recreation: This includes most recreational activities such as dispersed camping, hunting, and back country trail activities. Risk is high because dispersed activities center on weekends, and sites are widely scattered and secluded. Hazard is moderate. Action: Patrols and public contacts. Work with ND Game & Fish educating hunters on fire danger.

Fireworks: Fireworks are prohibited on the National Grasslands, however fireworks are readily available and activity is high around the 4th of July. Risk is low to high depending on severity of fire season. Value is moderate. Action: Signing starting two weeks prior to the 4th; and public contacts. Increase patrols at campgrounds and dispersed sites; enforcement.

Intermixed National Grassland and private lands: Risk is low to moderate. Value is high. Action: Encourage use of Firewise principles working with the ND Forest Service. Agricultural and Industrial Hazards: Includes haying, flares at oil well sites, blasting and welding.

Oil Production Fields: Risk is low to high depending on severity of the fire season. Value is high. Action: Implementation of principles used in wildland urban interface situations including site assessment for hazards, hazard fuel reduction, contacts with oil industry, and strict enforcement of permits.

Public Education Events: Possible examples: Dickinson State University Homecoming Parade – Dickinson, McKenzie County Fair – Watford City, Boss Cowman Days – Lemmon, Ransom County Fair- Lisbon, Dakota Prairie Explorer Series – All, Class B Basketball Display – All, and Fourth Grade Prevention Message Contest – All.

Closures and Restrictions

The purpose of fire restrictions is to reduce the risk of human-caused fires during periods of unusually high fire danger. Restrictions should be considered when very high to extreme fire danger is predicted to persist. (APPENDIX A: RESTRICTIONS AND CLOSURES) The Northern Rockies/North Dakota Fire Restrictions website is found at: http://firerestrictions.firecenter.umt.edu/FireRestriction_pub/

National Restrictions – 36 CFR 261.5, subpart A of the Code of Federal Regulations, prohibits certain activities/actions on National Forest lands. These are permanent and ongoing regulations and do not have to be initiated on a year to year basis. These regulations cover careless use of fire using tracer bullets or incendiary ammunition; causing brush and grass to burn; leaving a fire without extinguishing; allowing a fire to escape; and building a campfire without adequately removing flammable material.

Regional Restrictions – The Regional Forester has a continuing proclamation which automatically goes into effect each year during the established fire season of each state within the Region, which is March 30th through October 24th in North and South Dakota. A copy of the Regional Forester’s continuing proclamation may be found in FSM 5113. The current version is in R-1 Suppl. 5100-93-1. The continuing proclamation addresses the use of fireworks and/or pyrotechnic devices; shovel and bucket

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requirements for travelers; building campfires outside of campgrounds; fire extinguishers for stationary power equipment; and spark arresting devices for internal combustion engines.

State Restrictions – State of North Dakota fire restrictions are based on voluntary compliance by the public. During extended periods of unusually high or extreme fire danger conditions, the Governor of North Dakota may generate an Executive Order that mandates compliance with the prevention/mitigation measures of the North Dakota Emergency Operations Plan, with violations punishable up to $500. The State of South Dakota’s fire restrictions are based on voluntary compliance by the public outside of the Black Hills Fire Protection Area. During extreme conditions the Governor of South Dakota may mandate compliance across the state.

County Restrictions – In North Dakota, counties may impose fire restrictions that mandate compliance with the North Dakota Century Code, with violations punishable by fines. In South Dakota, counties may impose fire restrictions that are based on voluntary compliance of the public.

Dakota Prairie Grassland Restrictions – Setting forth fire restrictions that are in addition to national and regional restrictions is accomplished through a Special Order by the Grasslands Supervisor. As much as is possible, similar closures and restrictions will be implemented simultaneously by all agencies with ownerships intermingled or adjacent to National Grassland system lands to avoid public confusion. The fire restriction coordinator for the North Dakota Zone is the ND Forest Service Fire Management Coordinator. The fire restriction coordinator facilitates the restrictions and closures with all agencies within this zone. In South Dakota, restrictions on the Grand River National Grassland are coordinated with Shadehill Reservoir State Recreation Area and local county commissions.

The Dakota Prairie Grasslands will coordinate all restriction actions with federal, state, and county entities that adjoin the grasslands prior to any initiation. Coordination with the grazing associations and local fire departments is also important to avoid confusion and conflict with other restrictions being planned or in place. There are three fire restriction stages; Stage I, Stage II, and Closure.

Fire Training Activities

The Dakota Prairie Fire Training Representative is responsible for coordinating the fire training needs of DPG personnel with the ND Zone, regional and national training courses. All personnel participating in fire management activities will meet the standards required by the Wildland Fire Qualifications Subsystem Guide, NWCG 310-1, and the Wildland Fire Qualifications Handbook, FSH 5109.17.

Each spring the DPG Fire Training Representative will conduct a training needs analysis, based upon individual training needs and development with consideration towards the Grasslands, the North Dakota Zone, and regional position needs in the Incident Command System. DPG training needs are consolidated and submitted to the ND Fire Council Training Committee for consolidation with other agencies in the zone. The ND Fire Council determines course instruction at the 100 and 200 levels that will be hosted cooperatively in the North Dakota Zone. The website for local training course schedules is found at: http://ndc.fws.gov

Nominations for fire training courses at the regional or national levels will be done based on priorities established by the DPG Redcard Committee in conjunction with the ND Fire Council Training Committee. Course schedules are found at: http://nationalfiretraining.net/nr/

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All personnel available for fire duty will annually take a fire safety refresher course, to include deployment protocols, core subjective matter identified by the Forest Service and NWCG, and any other safety training deemed necessary by the Dakota Prairie.

The Dakota Prairie Grasslands relies on rural fire districts adjacent to the National Grasslands to provide protection and initial attack suppression capability. Although the Forest Service recognizes and accepts rural fire district standards and qualifications for initial attack response, it is important to provide fire training to enhance their understanding and knowledge of wildland fire suppression and firefighter safety. As much as possible the DPG will provide basic fire training, including S-130, S-190 and Standards for Survival, to rural fire districts that assist with wildland fire suppression on the National Grasslands to meet or exceed the PMS 310-1.

DPG Redcard Committee

The DPG Redcard Committee is composed of a District Ranger, Grasslands FMO, Zone FMO, Zone AFMO, technical specialists as appropriate, and the Grasslands Dispatcher who is responsible for maintaining the Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) for the Dakota Prairie Grasslands. The Redcard Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving all applicable training, experience, and other qualification standards prior to certifying individuals for wildland fire management positions.

Redcard Signature Authority

Approving Official QualificationsRegional Forester or Fire Director Type I-IMT IC, Section ChiefsGrasslands Supervisor or Grasslands Fire Management Officer

Type II-IMT positions, DIVS positions, Aviation, and any position with a DIVS prerequisites

District Ranger, Zone FMO, Zone AFMO

Operations thorough STL, Unit Leader, RXB2, and other functional areas below Section Chief.

Position Task Books

The Zone FMO, Zone AFMO, and Zone Fuels Planner have responsibility for initiating Position Task Books (PTB) for DPG personnel. The Redcard Committee has responsibility for the certification of PTB’s.

Work Capacity Test

All individuals participating on wildland fire assignments, prescribed burning, or fire use activities must meet the required fitness levels described in the FSH 5109.17. The fitness categories are arduous, moderate, light and none. Only qualified WCT Administrators are approved to administer the Work Capacity Tests.

WORK CATEGORY

TEST DISTANCE PACK WEIGHT TIME

Arduous Pack Test 3 miles 45 lbs 45 minutesModerate Field Test 2 miles 25 lbs 30 minutes

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Light Walk Test 1 mile None 16 minutesA Health Screening Questionaire (HSQ) and WCT Informed Consent form must be filled out and submitted to the Unit HSQ Coordinator (currently assigned to Little Missouri Zone AFMO) for review. The Unit HSQ Coordinator determines whether the employee may participate in the Work Capacity Test or whether a physical exam is required. The Forest Service will pay for the physical examination. Any additional evaluations or treatments are at the expense of the employee. When medical standards cannot be met, a waiver may be considered that documents how a medical issue will be resolved and mitigated.

Fire management personnel authorized or expected to perform wildland fire or prescribed fire assignments that require the arduous fitness level will be authorized up to 1 hour per day of official time for suitable physical exercise to prepare and maintain the arduous fitness level.

Fire Season Readiness

Planning for fire season will include readiness to provide dispatching capability, fire danger ratings, fire weather monitoring, fire training and qualifications, prescribed fire support, fire equipment, and other necessary fire support. Preparedness planning and annual reviews ensure there is recognition of wildland fire trends and priority settings, and that appropriate management response is in place. Throughout the fire season, special actions will be taken to address resource readiness and the proper response needed for current and expected fire danger activity.

Fire Season Start and Stop Dates

Fire season start and stop dates are a function of fuel and weather conditions. Historically fire season begins March 30 and ends October 24, however wildfires have occurred in each of the 12 months. The daily fire danger rating combined with fuel conditions, probability of ignition, drought conditions, and available resources are used as a basis for making decisions on fire preparedness and emergency actions. The National Weather Service will provide fire danger ratings and fire weather forecasts between April 1 and October 31, unless requested to extend the season.

Fire Caches

The Medora and McKenzie Ranger District fire caches are used to supply Dakota Prairie Grassland’s personnel. Cache supplies and equipment consist of personal protective equipment, fireline packs, MRE’s, assorted handtools, backpack pumps, hose, fittings, pumps, and portable water tanks. An annual inventory of District fire caches will be performed and documented. Districts will maintain fire equipment and supplies at a level capable of supporting fire suppression and prescribed fire operations. As inventories are depleted, restocking will be done and paid for according to manual direction.

The North Dakota Forest Service maintains a 100-person cache, including a cache of radios, with a small trailer that can deliver incident support in the North Dakota Zone within 10 hours. The ND Forest Service Fire Management Coordinator has authority for deciding which resource requests will be filled based upon urgency, availability, delivery time, cost effectiveness, operational impacts and safety.

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The Billings Zone Cache is located at the Billings Airport. This Category II fire cache is a 750- person support cache for incidents occurring in Eastern Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota. There are three 250-person cache vans that are dispatched through BDC to incidents. They are located at the Cheyenne River Agency, Miles City BLM, and the Billings Zone Fire Cache.

All orders for fire equipment from the Zone Caches will be put on a Resource Order, accompanied by a Dakota Prairie Grasslands fire name or number, and ordered through the North Dakota Dispatch Center. Any nonexpendable supplies and equipment will be returned to the cache they came from.

Detection

The Dakota Prairie Grasslands relies on the local public for detecting and reporting fires due to the intermix of private and federal lands. Local ranchers who detect fires, report them to the local rural fire districts who in turn contact the Forest Service. The DPG fire crews monitor local radio traffic to keep informed of possible fire starts. When there is significant lightning activity, Forest Service fire crews will access lightning strike maps and patrol the affected areas.

Communications

Radio channel plans have been developed for the Little Missouri, Grand River, and Sheyenne National Grasslands. There are two portable repeaters available than can be set up, on a temporary basis, in areas with poor radio communications. (APPENDIX B: RADIO COMMUNICATIONS)

Cellular phone communications are authorized and help reduce radio traffic during critical periods. Cell phones should only be used to communicate non-critical information such as logistical requests and resource orders. Cell phones will not be used to communicate tactical information or weather updates. Tactical and weather information must be transmitted via radio to ensure each person on an incident receives critical information in a timely manner.

Fire Weather

National Weather Service Offices in Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Rapid City, SD provide daily fire weather forecasts and spot weather forecasts during the normal fire/burning season. The Grand Forks office covers eastern ND and western MN including the Sheyenne NG. The Bismarck Office covers all of western ND including the Little Missouri and Cedar River NG, and Denbigh and Souris Experimental Forests. The Rapid City office covers the Grand River NG. Information can be found on their web pages or by calling the offices direct at: http://www.crh.noaa.gov/bis/fire.php or 701-250-4494 for the Bismarck Office, http://www.crh.noaa.gov/fgf/forecast/firewx.php or 701-795-5127 for the Grand Forks Office and http://www.crh.noaa.gov/unr/?n=firewx or 605-341-9271 for the Rapid City Office. A Rangeland Fire Danger Index is issued daily around 500 CDT. A fire weather forecast is issued twice daily during the fire weather season around 0730 and 1530 CDT from April through October. An Annual Operating Plan between the Dakota Prairie Grasslands, National Weather Service, and other state and federal agencies is signed each spring prior to fire season.Remote Automated Weather Stations (RAWS) are located on the Medora Ranger District, McKenzie Ranger District, and Sheyenne Ranger District. During the traditional non-fire season months, weather information is archived into the Weather Information Management Systems (WIMS) data base once a week. Once the fire season starts, daily observations are done by the North Dakota Dispatch Center and are archived in WIMS.

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The RAWS stations are owned by the BLM, and are on loan to the DPG. The Bureau of Land Management annually performs maintenance on the weather stations. It is the responsibility of each District to properly maintain the sites, monitor RAWS outputs, ensure annual maintenance is accomplished, and report any problems to BLM.

Current weather can be obtained off each of the RAWS through the Dakota Prairie radio system by keying up the radio and transmitting the proper DTMF code for each station. These codes are listed in the matrix below. Hourly weather data can also be accessed online at: http://raws.wrh.noaa.gov/cgi-bin/roman/raws_ca_monitor.cgi?state=ND&rawsflag=2

District Medora McKenzie SheyenneStation Name Sand Creek Watford SheyenneStation Number 323804 321703 324605Elevation 2700 2165 1070Latitude (D-M-S) 46-32-44 47-16-49 46-27-57Longitude (D-M-S) 103-31-6 103-17-

1297-18-58

Ave. Green Up 5/30 5/30 5/30Ave. Cure 8/15 8/15 8/15Ave. Killing Frost 9/15 9/15 9/15Slope Class 3 2 2Climate Class 3 2 2Fuel Model L L LHerbaceous Vegetation Perennial Perennial PerennialSeasonal Start-Up RAWS RAWS RAWSDTMF CODE 1234 2580 7890

The Dakota Prairie Grasslands uses Special Interest Groups (SIG) to monitor ERC’s and thousand hour fuels to determine fire severity and preparedness levels. The three DPG SIG’s are:

NR12: Big Sheep Mt, Cannon Ball, Camp Crook, Knowlton, and Sand CreekNR11: Poplar, Crosby, Lostwood, and Watford CityNR13: J Clark Salyer, Arrowwood, Tewaukon and Sheyenne. Fire Danger

During the 2011 fire season the NWS in Bismarck will use the Grassland Fire Danger Index (GFDI) to issue daily fire danger forecasts for North Dakota. National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) fire danger forecasts are issued daily by the North Dakota Dispatch Center and on a twice per week basis by the Northern Rockies Predictive Services.

Grassland Fire Danger Index

The Rangeland Fire Danger Index (GFDI) for North Dakota is issued by the Bismarck Office of the National Weather Service and for South Dakota by the Rapid City Office of the National Weather Service

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daily around 5:00 am CDT between April 1 and October 31. The GFDI is a forecast of potential fire danger based on the temperature, humidity, wind, sky cover and estimated “greenness” of fuels. The daily GFDI statement contains numerical values generated when calculating the fire danger index, which can be used as a basis for making daily decisions on fire preparedness and emergency actions. The GFDI works well in rating the fire danger potential for grass type fuels on a daily basis, but has limited application for non-grass fuel models and tracking cumulative weather conditions. In North Dakota, fire personnel from the Medora, McKenzie and Sheyenne Districts provide weekly vegetative greenness values to assist in calculating fire danger. In South Dakota, fire personnel from the Grand River District reports greenness values for much of north central South Dakota to the Great Plains Dispatch Center

National Fire Danger Rating System

The National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) provides a number of meaningful outputs that can be applied over a range of classes and sizes of fuel models, and takes into account the cumulative effects of past, current and forecasted weather conditions. The NFDRS components and indices are used in combination with the GFDI for preparedness and staffing purposes.

NFDRS Components:

Ignition Component - the ignitability of fine fuelsSpread Component – an estimate of the spread of a fire at its head.Energy Release Component – the amount of available energy at the head of a fireBurning Index – integrates the combined effects of spread component and energy release component in predicting fireline intensity and flame length.

Staffing

The Dakota Prairie Grasslands has two engine modules, one located at the Medora Ranger District and the other at the McKenzie Ranger District on the Little Missouri National Grassland. The Sheyenne and Grand River Districts rely on local rural fire districts for initial attack. Severity funding may be requested to enhance suppression and prevention capabilities as the energy release component approaches the 97th percentile in addition to other established criteria such as the US Drought Monitor, recent fire activity and vegetative greenness values. Extra resource capability will be used in combination with other state and federal agencies to enhance engine support, fireline supervision, aviation, fire prevention, and extended staffing of DPG personnel.

Preparedness

The Dakota Prairie Grasslands will ensure capability to provide safe, cost-effective fire protection in support of land management plans and public safety through appropriate staffing, training, equipment and management oversight. The DPG works with other local, state, tribal and federal wildland agencies to support fire management operations at both the unit and zone levels. The ND Fire Council has developed an interagency approach to determining preparedness levels within the ND Zone, and interagency roles and responsibilities. At preparedness level 4, a Multi-Agency Coordination Group (MAC) is activated to assist agencies in meeting staffing needs within the zone.

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NORTH DAKOTA ZONE

Preparedness Levels

PL-1 PL-2 PL-3 PL-4 PL-5Grassland Fire Danger Index

All zones in low to moderate. No watches or warnings imminent.

Most zones in low to moderate, some occasionally in high. No watches or warnings imminent.

Entire Zone continually in high, with some occasional very high. Occasional Fire Wx watches or warnings being issued.

Over half the zone continually in very high to extreme. Fire Wx watches & warnings being issued, but weather tending to moderate between episodes.

Nearly all the zones continually in extreme. Fire Wx watch or warning is forecast for the next 24-48 hours, with conditions not forecast to moderate.

1 hr. Fuels and Fire Behavior

Fuels and fire behavior are normal for given time of year.

Normal for given time of year, with some variations.

Normal for time of season, but trends show steady premature curing of herbaceous fuels

Herbaceous fuels cured or nearly cured, deviating from normal for the time of the season.

Conditions atypical. Herbaceous fuels are cured much ahead of normal. Fires exhibit extreme behavior.

Energy Release Component/1000-hr.

fuels

All stations below 90th percentile. FM at or above average.

Most stations below 90th percentile. FM at or above average.

Most stations approaching or at 90%. FM at or trending below average.

All stations at or above 90th percentile. Approaching 95th percentile. FM below average continuing downward trend.

All stations at or above 95th percentile. Approaching 97th percentile. FM below average and historical minimum.

Fire Activity Minimal fire activity, fires are easily controlled

Normal fire activity, limited potential for large fires

Above normal fire activity in some sections of zone. Occasional large fires being reported.

Fires occurring continuously across most of zone. Potential for escape is high. Frequent large fires over 300 acres.

Multiple large fires over 300 acres occurring simultaneously throughout zone. Potential for fire escapes is very high

Initial Attack Activity

Minimal, suppression actions successful. Mutual aid not required.

Fires still being controlled during IA. Minimal mutual aid needed.

IA increasing, but fires still being controlled within first operational period. Occasional mutual aid required.

Fires frequently escaping IA. Mutual aid frequently required. Most fires still being controlled during extended attack.

RFD’s initiating automatic mutual aid. Fires escaping control during initial and extended attack.

Zone Support Resources

Light to moderate I/A. 80% of zone resources available to other GA’s

Moderate I/A activity. 50% of zone resources available to other GA’s.

Resources within the zone are committed. Potential for need from outside the zone.

Heavy commitment of zone resources within the zone. Additional outside resources being requested through NDC.

Full commitment of resources within the zone. Outside resources needed for I/A and large fire support.

Human Cause Risk Low Moderate Moderate High Very HighLAL 1 1 - 2 2 - 4 4 - 5 5 - 6

Preparedness Level Most reporting units, NR, & nationally at PL3 or below.

Most reporting units, NR, & nationally at PL3 or below.

Most reporting units at PL3. NR & nationally at PL4.

Most reporting units at PL4. NR & nationally at PL5.

Most reporting units, NR, & nationally at PL5.

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NORTH DAKOTA ZONE

Readiness Roles & Responsibilities

PL-1 PL-2 PL-3 PL-4 PL-5Local Government Update local

plans. Review local

plans and SEOP. Local media

contacts.

Identify /coord. large fire responsibilities.

Keep State informed of fire occurrence.

Declare county emergency.

Initiate automatic notification procedures.

Keep State informed of fire occurrence.

Governor emergency declaration.

Dakota Prairie Grasslands / other federal agencies

Ensure annual agreements are in place & current.

Preparedness inspections scheduled through the ND Dispatch Center.

Prepare closings & restrictions in coordination with affected counties, state, tribal and federal government.

Issue/coordinate fire restrictions.

Initiate fire danger signing, public contacts.

Ensure agency fire-qualified personnel are available. No off-grassland dispatches.

Coordinate inter-agency severity requests.

Issue & coordinate appropriate restrictions where applicable.

Ensure that agency fire-qualified personnel are available for fire assignments.

Activate severity funded resources.

Weekly MAC calls.

Governor’s Office/DEM/NDFS/State

Work with legislature to support state and local fire programs.

Ensure annual agreements are in place (NDFS).

Review SEOP.

Prepare Governor’s Proclamation & Executive Order.

Prepare fire danger news releases.

Notify State Support Task Force.

Initiate state & federal land/fire coordination meetings.

Issue Governor’s Proclamation & Executive Order.

Brief Governor’s Office daily.

Prepare State Fire Task Force.

Prepare NDNG activation.

Issue fire danger news releases.

Hold State/ EFF/NDNGTraining.

Twice daily briefings to Governor’s Office.

Activate State Fire Support Task Force.

Request activation of NDNG.

Press conferences & interviews by Governor’s and State Forester’s Offices.

NDFC-EC Conference calls as needed.

Monthly calls Activate ND-MAC Group weekly calls.

Establish & prioritize resources.

Monitor and ensure support capabilities.

Assess need for prevention team

Identify Type III team for large fires.

Daily MAC calls. Establish & prioritize

criteria for allocation of resources.

Monitor and ensure support capabilities.

Coordinate with zone prevention team.

Coordinate Type III IMT assignments

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NDC Monitor PL status of zone units, NR, & nationally. Keep NDFC-EC informed.

Monitor PL status of zone units, NR, & nationally. Monitor zone support resource status. Keep NDFC-EC informed, recommendations for zone PL.

Monitor PL status of zone units, NR, & nationally. Monitor zone support resource status. Keep NRCC informed of zone fire situation. NDC staff available by phone 24 hours per day.

Monitor PL status of zone units, NR, & nationally. Monitor zone support resource status. Keep NDFC-EC informed, recommendations for zone PL. Keep NRCC informed of zone fire situation. NDC provides 24 hour coverage as appropriate

Dakota Prairie Staffing Guide and Draw Down Levels for Single Incident IA

Resources PL-1ERC 0-30GFDI 0-30

PL-2ERC 30-40GFDI 31-50

PL-3ERC 40-55GFDI 51-70

PL-4ERC 55-65GFDI 71-94

PL-5ERC 65+GFDI 95+

Local Fire District Response Response Response Response ResponseEngine Module 5 day

coverageResponse

5 day coverageResponse

5 day coverageResponse

7 day coverage as neededResponse

7 day coverageResponse

Engine Module 5 day coverageAs needed

5 day coverageAs needed

5 day coverageResponse

7 day coverage as neededResponse

7 day coverageResponse

Fuels Specialist 5 day coverageAs needed

5 day coverageAs needed

5 day coverageAs needed

5 day coverageOn-call

7 day coverageResponse

AFMO 5 day coverageAs needed

5 day coverageAs needed

5 day coverageAs needed

5 day coverageResponse

7 day coverage as neededResponse

Zone FMO 5 day coverageAs needed

5 day coverageAs needed

5 day coverageAs needed

5 day coverageOn-call

7 day coverage as neededResponse

Grassland FMO 5 day coverageAs needed

5 day coverageAs needed

5 day coverageAs needed

5 day coverageOn-call

7 day coverage as neededResponse

District Rangers 5 day coverageAs needed

5 day coverageAs needed

5 day coverageAs needed

5 day coverageAs needed

5 day coverageOn-call

Grasslands Supervisor

5 day coverageAs needed

5 day coverageAs needed

5 day coverageAs needed

5 day coverageAs needed

5 day coverageOn-call

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The DPG staffing and draw down levels are guidelines, and can be adjusted with agreement of Line Officers and Fire Program Managers. At planning levels IV and V, as much as possible the DPG will staff sufficient numbers of resources to allow personnel 1 day off in 7.

Management Action Points

Preparedness Level

Management Action Points

PL I to III Fill off-grasslands resource orders. Can drop below minimum draw down levels to support Zone and Geographic Area requests

PL III and IV Transition from 5 day to 7 day coverage as appropriate Only drop below minimum draw down levels at PL IV with concurrence

of Grasslands Supervisor, Grasslands FMO, District Rangers, and ND MAC group.

PL IV and V FMO’s and District Rangers will consult and determine need for severity resources

The North Dakota Dispatch Center (NDC) coordinates the movement of all resources within and outside North Dakota Zone boundaries. For purposes of dispatching Dakota Prairie Grasslands resources off the national grasslands, an availability list will be updated weekly (Wednesdays). As a general rule, all resources will be listed as available locally unless statused otherwise. Fire Managers are responsible for updating the availability of employees with approval of their supervisors. Fire Managers are responsible for monitoring committed resources. All personnel will be issued a Red Card before leaving on off-grassland assignments.

AVIATION (See DPG Aviation Management Plan 2012)

Fixed wing aviation services are provided for administrative travel and fire support for the Dakota Prairie Grasslands through “call-when-needed” (CWN) contracts. Aviation travel must be point to point. All aviation operations will comply with Federal Aviation Regulations and Forest Service policy. Aircraft rental is available with the following vendors:

OPERATOR ADDRESS TELEPHONEEagle Aviation Spearfish, SD 605-642-4112Executive Air Taxi Corporation 2301 University Drive

Bismarck, ND 58504701-258-5024

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All flights should be scheduled through the Grasslands Fire Management Officer, the DPG Resource Clerk, or the North Dakota Dispatch Center. Use of Forest Service agreements should be the preferred method to avoid the added expense of OAS surcharges.

Local Airport Information

FIELD IDENTIFIER LOCATION CATEGORY ELEV LENGTHBismarck BIS N46-46.4W100-44.0 I 1,653 6,900Dickinson DIK N46-47.8W102-48.0 I 2,590 5,200Lisbon ND34 N46-26.8W97-43.0 II 1,240 3,050Watford City S25 N47-47.9W103-15.0 II 2,100 4,400 Lemmon LEM N45-55.1W102-6 II 2,571 4,500

Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATS)

SEATS may be ordered through the ND Dispatch Center to the Miles City Dispatch Center for use on the Little Missouri National Grassland. The Medora Ranger District Fire Desk is responsible for flight following once a SEAT is in DPG airspace. Generally the airport in Baker, MT is utilized as the SEAT base for operations on the Little Missouri Grassland and is staffed by a SEAT manager.

The State of South Dakota may station an OAS approved SEAT in Lemmon, South Dakota utilizing the municipal airport for SEAT base operations. Generally the DPG will assist with SEAT base operations, flight following, providing radio communications, computer hookups and administrative assistance. This SEAT is available for use on the Grand River, Cedar River NG, and the southern portion of the Little Missouri NG.

INITIAL ATTACK

The Forest Service has jurisdictional fire management authority on all National Grasslands administered by the Dakota Prairie Grasslands, including the Sheyenne National Grassland, Cedar River National Grassland, Grand River National Grassland, Little Missouri National Grassland, and the Denbigh and Souris River Experimental Forests.

Direct agreements have been developed between the Forest Service and many Rural Fire Protection Districts in North Dakota, providing for initial attack response on that portion of the National Grassland that lies within their fire protection district boundaries. Depending on the agreement, local fire department qualifications and standards will be accepted for initial attack for the first 12-24 hours. Where a fire continues to burn across private and federal lands within the jurisdictional boundaries of a rural fire district beyond the initial attack period, the rural fire district will continue to have protection responsibilities, but the I/A agreements are no longer in effect.

Through agreement with the South Dakota Division of Wildland Fire Suppression, four fire departments are contracted to provide reimbursable fire suppression for the Grand River and Cedar River National Grasslands.

RURAL FIRE DISTRICTS PROVIDING DPG FIRE PROTECTION MEDORA RD McKENZIE

RDGR. RIVER RD SHEYENNE RD DENBIGH SOURIS

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Amidon * Alexander Bison, SD** Enderlin * Granville TownerBeach Arnegard * Lemmon, SD** Hankinson *Billings County Grassy Butte McIntosh, SD** Leonard*Bowman * Horse Creek Lodgepole, SD LidgerwoodGolva McKenzie * Gr. River, SD Lisbon*Marmarth* Sidney, MT Morristown, SD Milnor*Medora West Dunn* Wyndmere*New EnglandRhame*Sentinel Butte

* Direct agreements have been signed between the Forest Service and Rural Fire District** Contracted initial attack through agreement with the SD Division of Wildland Fire Suppression

Those fire departments that are under agreement will be reimbursed by the Forest Service for the use of their equipment at an operated hourly rate established in the Chapter 50 Supplements of the Interagency Incident Business Management Handbook.

Initial Attack Priorities

Initial attack is an aggressive suppression action consistent with firefighter and public safety and values to be protected. The “Region 1 Incident Organizer” will be used to complete the initial fire assessment and assist in determining response actions. The following list shall subjectively be considered in developing initial attack priorities.

- Firefighter and Public Safety- Wildland Urban Interface Situation- High Value Improvements (oil facilities, recreation & private developments, powerlines)- Threatened and Endangered Species- Archeological and Paleontological Sites- Natural Resource Values- Management Area Direction- Probability of Containment/Escape

Fire Management Response

The management response to a wildland fire on the National Grasslands, based on the LRMP, is to suppress all fires using effective management strategies. Strategies may range from controlling and containing through direct attack, point protection in specific areas, indirect attack strategies that minimize firefighter exposure, or combinations of the various suppression strategies. Fire suppression strategies and tactics will be determined based on firefighter and public safety, land management objectives, current fire weather and fire behavior, values at risk, safe access and egress, and resource availability and capability. Suppression actions taken on wildland fires will normally be according to one of the following strategies:

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Suppression Using Direct Attack – Tactical actions will be used to establish a safe anchor point and establishing a control line around the fire perimeter, “with one foot in the black” at all times.

Suppression Using Parallel or Flanking Attack to Control: Tactical actions will be used to develop a safe anchor point and establish a control line as close as possible to the fire edge. Burning out residual fuels will be done as favorable conditions permit.

Suppression Using Point Protection: Involves tactical actions taken to suppress fire or provide protection to certain high value areas of the fire, often associated with structure protection. Point protection strategies will only be taken when effective tactics are in place with well established escape routes and safety zones.

Suppress Using Indirect Attack to Control: Unusually erratic, severe or extreme fire behavior will dictate the use of this strategy and the amount of associated burning out. Natural barriers and environmental conditions will be utilized to confine the spread of fire.

Suppression Using Modified Attack to Control: Any combination of direct, parallel or indirect attack to control a wildland fire.

Minimum Impact Management Tactics: Fire management activities will be conducted in such a way as to cause the least amount of unnecessary impact to the resources. Methods and equipment used will be commensurate with the current predicted fire behavior, values at risk, and land management objectives. The strategy selected will be that which will safeguard human lives and accomplish objectives while resulting in the least alteration of the landscape and disturbance of natural and cultural resources.

Risk Decision Framework in Support of Fire Management Decisions

Sound decision making relies on identifying reasonable objectives for protection of critical values at risk, while considering the amount and quality of exposure to firefighters and probability of success. The Risk Decision Framework is designed to inform fire management decisions. On emerging and/or large fires, at a minimum the following ten questions need to be addressed by Agency Administrators and Incident Managers in a narrative format to help manage risk:

Risk Assessment

1. What are the critical values at risk?2. What is the chance the critical values will be impacted, and if so what are the consequences?3. What are the opportunities to manage the fire to meet land management plan objectives?4. What are the possible low probability/high consequence events?5. Who are the stakeholders that should be consulted prior to making a decision?

Risk Decision

1. What alternatives (objectives, strategies and tactics) are be considered?2. What is the exposure to responders for the alternatives being considered?3. What is the relative probability of success associated with the alternatives being considered?

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4. What alternative provides for the best balance between the desired outcome and exposure to responders?

5. What are the critical thresholds that will trigger reconsiderations of the proposed alternative and how will they be monitored?

Organizational Needs Assessment

The Organizational Needs Assessment will provide managers information pertaining to Type 1,2 and 3 organizations while types 4 and 5 will continue to be addressed through the Incident Complexity Analysis listed in the R1 Incident Organizer.

Incident Organizations

Type V Incident

o Initial attack fires are considered small or low intensity fires (Class A,B, some Class C) that a rural fire district and/or Forest Service resources are able to manage with no additional assistance.

o Generally the incident is contained within the first few hours after firefighting resources arrive on scene.

Type IV Incident

o Generally fires (Class B, C and some Class D) of low to moderate complexity. At times assistance from adjacent fire districts may be requested.

o Command and general staff functions are generally not activated.o Generally the incident is limited to one operational period and no IAP is required.

Type III Incident

o Some or all command and general staff positions may be activated, usually at the division/group supervisor and/or unit leader level.

o The incident command organization manages initial or extended attack fires with a significant number of resources assigned until the suppression objective is obtained or until transfer of command to a Type I or Type II IMT is completed.

o An Incident Action Plan (IAP) is required for each operational period following the first initial attack operational period. A written IAP may not be needed when rapid containment is expected.

o An incident may be divided into divisions and may involve multiple operational periods prior to achieving suppression objectives.

o The Type III IC will not perform any collateral duties.

Restrictions and Limitations on Fire Suppression Actions

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Management Area Direction:

The LRMP identifies specific management area direction and the types of fire suppression actions that can be implemented within the identified standards and guidelines designated for that area. Fire management direction for each management area outlined in the LRMP for the DPG are as follows:

Management Area Category Restrictions and Limitations1.2A Suitable for Wilderness1.31 Nonmotorized Backcountry Recreation

Prohibit use of ground disturbing equipmentunless authorized by a Line Officer. Prohibit use of heavy equipment on knownpaleontological and heritage sites. Encourageuse of tactics that minimize land and resourcedisturbance. Discourage use of retardant over riparian areas, streams, shorelines, lakes and wetlands.

2.1 Special Interest Areas2.2 Research Natural Areas2.4 Identified American Indian Traditional Use Areas

Use tactics that minimize land and resourcedisturbance activities. Consult specialists forspecific guidance. Discourage use of retardant over riparian and wetland areas. Prohibit use of heavy equipment on knownpaleontological and heritage sites.

3.51 Bighorn Sheep Habit3.51A Bighorn Sheep Habitat with non-federal mineral3.63 Black-Footed Ferret Reintroduction Habitat3.64 Special Plan and Wildlife Habitat3.65 Rangelands with Diverse Landscapes3.66 Ecosystem Restoration4.22 River and Travel Corridors4.32 High Use Dispersed Recreation5.31 Experimental Forests6.1 Rangeland with Broad Resource Emphasis

Prohibit use of heavy equipment on knownpaleontological and heritage sites.Discourage application of retardant overriparian areas and wetlands. Encourage useof indirect attack using naturalbarriers and burning out when appropriate.

Aerial Fire Retardant Application:

There is new national direction for use of fire retardant applied from aircraft to manage wildland fires. Aerial retardant drops are not allowed in mapped avoidance areas for certain threatened, endangered,

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proposed, candidate or sensitive species, in waterways, or in certain cultural resource areas including historical properties, traditional cultural resources and sacred sites.

This national direction is mandatory and must be implemented except in cases where human life or public safety is threatened and retardant use can be expected to alleviate the threat. When an application occurs inside of avoidance areas (referred to as misapplication) it will be reported, assessed for impacts, monitored and remediated.

Aquatic Avoidance Areas – Waterways will be avoided and given a minimum 300 foot buffer. This includes perennial and intermittent streams, lakes, ponds, springs and reservoirs.

Terrestrial Avoidance Areas – Areas include federally listed threatened, endangered, or proposed plant or animal species or critical habitat when application of fire retardant may affect populations.

Cultural Resource Avoidance Areas – Includes historic properties, traditional cultural resources and sacred sites.

Currently there are no terrestrial avoidance areas identified on the Dakota Prairie Grasslands. Identification of cultural resource avoidance areas will be coordinated with DPG Archaeologists, and aquatic avoidance areas will be given a minimum 300 foot buffer per national direction.

For the purposes of tracking misapplications, at the time of the event agency personnel will complete the appropriate forms for misapplication and submit as directed. Follow up monitoring will be done based on the extent of the impacts to species, habitat or cultural properties and possible need for remediation.

The DPG will annually document and assess at least 1 fire less than 300 acres in size, where aerially delivered fire retardant has occurred and an avoidance area exists, to determine if retardant entered the avoidance area. If no fire retardant was used during the fire season, an assessment is not needed. All information and documents related to aerial fire retardant direction can be viewed at:http://www.fs.fed.us/fire/retardant/

Special Concerns

Coal Seam Fires

Coal seam fires occur in areas where coal seams surface and are exposed to wildland fire, igniting the coal. Coal seam fires burn primarily underground causing the overburden soil in the surrounding area to heat up, collapse and subside as the coal burns beneath it. Vent holes form and nearby vegetation cures and dries out, creating a potential ignition source for grass fires.

When coal vein fires are detected early, they can often be dug out and extinguished with hand tools. In areas where they are not detected early, thick overburden, difficult access, and multiple layers of seams create difficulty in extinguishing the fires.

Coal Seam Fire Management Strategy

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A site specific evaluation will be prepared for each coal seam fire detected. Evaluation criteria consists of the following elements:

General information on the location, topography, and accessibility. A risk assessment that considers proximity to private land, homes and ranches, developed areas

and improvements, impacts on cooperators and grassland users, political and social concerns, and indications of long term threats.

Suppression strategies and mitigation alternatives. Cost estimates for managing or extinguishing the fire, including rehabilitation efforts. Heavy equipment use and disturbance of the land surface. Monitoring actions for revalidation of coal vein fire management strategies. Establish a P-number to charge monitoring, mitigation and suppression actions.

The Line Officer will have approval authority on recommended actions and strategies based on the evaluation process. Management options include attempting to extinguish the coal seam fire with heavy equipment, reducing threat of ignition by reducing hazardous fuels in the vicinity of the burning coal seam, and periodic monitoring of the fire.

Monitoring: Define criteria for monitoring including frequency of site visits, size and spread of the burning

coal seam over time, and proximity and types of adjacent vegetation. Collect and update data and evaluate management strategies.

Mitigation: Identify access to site for engines and fire equipment Develop burn plan Implement hazard fuel reduction actions and establish monitoring criteria.

Suppression:

The North Dakota Public Service Commission, Abandoned Mine Lands Division, may assist the Forest Service with suppressing coal seam fires with grant funding from the US Dept. of Interior, Office of Surface Mining, and through administration/oversight of excavation of the coal seams and site rehabilitation.

Identify access to site for heavy equipment such as backhoes, dozers and water tenders. Trench around perimeter of the coal vein fire and through the coal seams to prevent further

spread. Excavation of coal seam fire Site rehabilitation. Establish monitoring criteria.

Oil and Gas Production Facilities

Oil and Gas production across the Little Missouri NG has increased dramatically and can have an impact on fire suppression operations and expose fire personnel to health hazards. Wildland fires adjacent to or involving oil and gas production facilities require special considerations. Risks include the presence of

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H2S gas which is known to be deadly and toxic, and a lack of knowledge and understanding of appropriate fire suppression response involving oil and gas operations.

Fire personnel can be exposed to hydrogen sulfide gas (H²S) which is a commonly expelled during oil and gas extraction operations and some coal seam seeps. H²S is a highly toxic, flammable, colorless gas produced by decaying organic matter and has a characteristic odor of rotten eggs at low concentrations; however, the sense of smell is paralyzed at airborne levels above 50 to 150 ppm. At higher concentrations, H²S can result in respiratory paralysis, asphyxial seizures, and death. Characteristics of a fatal exposure are rapid “knock down”, respiratory depression, tremors, blurred vision, cyanosis, seizures and tachycardia. H²S vapor can also travel considerable distances to a source of ignition and flash back explosively and gives off corrosive and poisonous oxides of sulfur upon combustion.

When a wildland fire is observed in the vicinity of oil and gas production facilities, the Incident Commander will:

o Promptly notify the district office to contact the local fire department for further assessment and response. Request the assistance of a resource advisor.

o Approach the area cautiously from upwindo Use H2S monitors, carried in each DPG engine, to monitor gas concentrations. Firefighters will

not rely on sense of smell for warning.o Brief firefighters on the potential for H2S gas.o Identify a safety perimeter around the oil and gas infrastructure based on recommendations of

the resource advisor.o Determine an appropriate response that includes an evaluation of risks to firefighter health and

safety in addition to the standard initial action fire size up. Modify suppression tactics to avoid the area.

o Avoid low lying drainage, ravines, and gullies near oil and gas pads and coal seams as they tend to accumulate higher concentrations of potentially toxic gases, especially during early morning hours when air has the tendency to sink.

o Locate fire camps, ICP’s and helispots away from oil and gas pads.o Seek immediate medical attention if H2S exposure is suspected.o Oil and gas facility fire suppression is not the responsibility of the Dakota Prairie Grasslands and

should not be undertaken under any circumstances.

Archeological Sites

Cultural remains are the traces of past lifeways and are irreplaceable resources. Procedures for the protection of cultural resources are addressed in the National Historic Preservation Act (1999 amended) and Archeological Resource Protection Act of 1979 was well as other statutes, laws and executive orders. It is illegal to damage or destroy an archeological site either inadvertently or on purpose, or reveal site localities other than for site avoidance – on a need to know basis.

In order to minimize and prevent the impacts of fire suppression activities on cultural resource sites, information on identified archeological site locations is available on computer files to DPG Fire Duty Officers. This information should be made available to the designated IC and used to determine where

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it’s feasible to use heavy equipment for fireline construction and improvement. As much as possible this should be done along existing roads and two-track trails, as determining placement of constructed firelines away from roads and two-tracks requires input and recommendations of archeological resource specialists.

DPG Fire Personnel will:o Make concerted efforts to safeguard confidential information on site locations and protect

archeological sites.

The Incident Commander will:o Request or access maps and information on the location of cultural resources in the area the fire

is occurring or a with a site visit from an archeological resource specialist.o Recognize there may be other archeological sites in the vicinity of the fire that are not shown on

the map. o Insure restricted archeological site locality information and sites are protected.o Consider alternative management responses to the use of heavy equipment on fires, i.e. MIST

tactics, foam application, handline construction, and aerial delivery of water, foam or retardant. o When use of heavy equipment is necessary off roads, request additional cultural resource site

information and resource specialist assistance to identify and avoid archeological sites along the route.

o Request assistance from a resource specialist to assist in identifying specific areas of concern during rehabilitation activities.

Person Caused Fires

The initial attack IC is responsible for sizing-up a wildland fire and determining whether a fire investigator is required. The initial attack IC will protect the origin of the fire and notify the LEO concerning the need for a fire investigator.

EXTENDED ATTACK AND LARGE FIRE SUPPRESSION

Thresholds for Large Fire Occurrence

Thresholds that indicate fire danger levels are favorable for large fire development:

Rangeland Fire Danger Index in the Very High or Extreme category Surface winds in excess of 25 mph. RH less than 20% Red Flag Warnings and Watches are posted Energy Release Component (ERC) above 90th percentile Palmer drought index at –2.5 or less. Fires larger than 300 acres in grass fuels/larger than 200 acres in woody fuels Fires exceeding first 12 hour operational period

Extended Attack

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The Organizational Needs Assessment (Appendix E) should be used to assist in determining the level of incident management support needed. Criteria to be considered in determining organizational needs includes:

Relative risk based on values, hazard, and probability. Implementation difficulty based on fire duration, course of actions and functional concerns. Decision concerns based on objectives, external influences and ownership.

Initial attack forces consisting of mutual aid rural fire department resources will continue suppression efforts until replaced by NWCG qualified resources. Where a fire is burning across private and federal lands, or is threatening private land within the jurisdictional boundaries of a rural fire district, the responsible fire district will continue to have protection responsibilities unless delegated to an Incident Commander. It is highly recommended that Unified Incident Command be established between the jurisdictional fire protection district and the Dakota Prairie Incident Commander.

In most cases, an ICT3 can sufficiently manage extended attack fires with the assistance of command and general staff personnel. For more complex fires, a short Type 2 Incident Management Team can be effective in managing Type 2 incidents on the grasslands.

Cost Share Agreements

A Decision Document can be used prior to development of a Cost Share Agreement, providing the means to capture the decisions made by all parties involved in the coordination and operation of a fire. If a cost share agreement is not developed, and each agency absorbs their own costs, the Decision Document should be used to document that decision.

Cost share agreements are tiered to the Statewide Cooperative Fire Protection Agreements. Negotiating cost share agreements is delegated to Line Officers or their designated representatives who can complete and sign the agreement on behalf of the DPG. Agencies that are not signatory to the Statewide Cooperative Fire Protection Agreement, such as local VFD’s and county commissions, should not be a part of the cost share agreements.

There are numerous methods that can be considered in developing a cost share agreement. The Cost Share by Acres method is based on all fire protection resources being equally shared for the entire fire, and costs are based on the proportion of acres burned within each agency’s protection area. The Cost Share by Flat Amount method is used when one agency expends resources for a limited duration, and the costs are captured for that specific period. The Cost Share by Effort method uses a weighting system to define a high, medium or low effort by each agency and bases cost share accordingly. The use of Cost Centers is part of the Cost Share by Effort method and is particularly useful in isolating costs attributed to aviation and logistics. Additional Cost Share Agreement information can be accessed on the NRCC Website on the NRCG “Bulletin Board” page, “Cost Share Methodologies”: http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/fire/nrcg/index.html

North Dakota Incident Management AssistanceTeam

A North Dakota Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) may be available to assist in managing fires on private, state, tribal and federal lands within the zone. The DPG and VFD cooperators will

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maintain operational oversight, with the IMAT providing other necessary command and general staff functions as needed. Use of the IMAT will be requested and dispatched through the State, and operated with a unified command structure.

Wildland Fire Decision Support System (WFDSS)

The WFDSS replaces the Wildland Fire Situation Analysis (WFSA), Wildland Fire Implementation Plan (WFIP), and Long Term Incident Planning (LTIP) processes that have been used to develop alternatives and decisions for extended attack fires, prolonged large fires, and wildland fires managed for resource benefits. WFDSS provides a decision support system to agency administrators that is more flexible and scalable for current management needs, incorporateing spatial data, fire behavior modeling, and preplanned decision criteria. A WFDSS must be completed for all wildland fires. There are three response levels, RL1, RL2, and RL3 which equate to the changing complexity of a fire. Wildland fires occurring in grass fuels are typically short duration fires, and may typically only require an RL1 level of WFDSS which will be completed at the local dispatch or Fire Duty Officer levels. On extended attack and large fires that won’t be contained within 24 hours of ignition of the fire, a RL2 level of WFDSS may be appropriate.

Incident Management Transition

The transition period between an incident management team’s arrival and when they can assume full management of the fire should be used to ensure a smooth transition. Responsibilities of Grassland’s personnel include:

Identify location of a fire camp based on good road access, flat ground, adequate space, etc. In general it is not advisable to have the fire camp at the ranger station compound.

Produce topographic maps of the fire area showing fire spread, containment lines, and other pertinent information.

Arrange transportation for the incoming team. Set up a check-in station assuring a good inventory of the resources on the fire. Utilize local personnel to fill needed positions prior to the team’s arrival, such as logistics,

planning, supply, ground support, operations, etc. Along with a team order, an initial support order should be placed for support personnel, strike

teams, equipment, and supplies to facilitate a team’s functioning upon arrival. A sit-down briefing should be held by the line officer or representative, with an

incoming team. The WFDSS should be used to provide incident information and provide support and documentation of the Line Officers decisions. A Delegation of Authority (DOA) form should be prepared and a Cost Share Agreement if necessary. The DOA should contain information on resource constraints, such as the use of earth moving equipment, “light on the land” tactics, and cultural resources.

A review of the LRMP should occur identifying specific Standards and Guidelines, management constraints, direction, etc. for each management area impacted by the fire.

Delegation of Authority

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When an incident management team is ordered, the Agency Administrator must provide written limited delegation of authority and a briefing package to the incoming Incident Commander. Prior to departure of the IMT, the IMT should delegate the fire back to the Agency Administrator (See Appendix G)

Burn Area Emergency Rehabilitation (BAER)

To expedite efforts at assessing areas destroyed or damaged by wildland fires and to ensure restoration needs are identified and implemented efficiently and effectively, BAER team members will begin coordinating assessment efforts as soon as practical and possible.

The District Line Officer will provide a written delegation of authority to the BAER Team Leader upon activation of the DPG BAER team. The Medora District Soils/Hydrologist is assigned the role of BAER Team Leader and has primary responsibility for obtaining a BAER charge code, providing leadership to the BAER core team, completing and compiling reports for the BAER assessment, and submitting requests for BAER treatment project funds. The Line Officer will assign a District representative to work with the BAER core team and local fire management staff, who will have primary responsibility for implementation of the rehabilitation strategy, integrating the practices and projects to the greatest possible extent, and monitoring BAER treatments.

FUELS MANAGEMENT

Hazardous fuel reduction activities consist of mechanical actions or treatment with prescribed fire to reduce the fire hazard threat from natural fuels and for native prairie restoration treatments. Hazard fuel reduction activities will be undertaken in and around developed areas, along travel ways, and adjacent to private property. Prescribed fire provides for ensuring sustainable ecosystems by increasing the amount of grasslands restored to or maintained in a healthy condition while reducing the risk and damage from wildland fire. The appropriate level of NEPA analysis will be applied to every potential treatment based on complexity and legal requirements. All prescribed fires will have an approved burn plan.

Prescribed Fire

Prescribed Fire Burn Plan

All planned management ignitions will be covered by a burn plan. The required level of detail will be commensurate with the complexity level of the burn. After a site-specific Rx Burn Plan has been approved, any deviation from the prescriptive limits requires written approval by the respective Line Officer, designated acting, or higher level of authority prior to ignition. Minor tactical deviations from the specific Rx Burn plan deemed necessary to maintain control are the Burn Boss’s responsibility.

Escaped Fires

If a natural ignition exceeds the predetermined MMA or flame length and rate of spread exceeds the production capabilities of available resources, it may be identified as an unwanted wildland fire.

o The Burn Boss will assume the role of the Incident Commander or transfer command of the incident to a qualified IC.

o The Burn Boss will notify the unit dispatch and the Line Officer of the change in status from a prescribed fire to an unwanted fire.

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o Initial attack standards will be used through the first operational period.o If fire suppression efforts will extend beyond the first operational period, a WFSA must be

prepared to determine appropriate suppression response and an Incident Action Plan will be developed.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Monitoring is the systematic process of collecting and recording fuels, topography, weather, predicted fire behavior and estimated fire effects data to provide a basis for evaluating site-specific objectives, desired conditions and making appropriate adjustments to fuel treatment techniques.

Evaluation is the process used to examine and appraise the results of the prescribed fuel treatment through integrated, qualitative and quantitative monitoring data.

Objective Indicators of Success

Date Evaluation CriteriaApril through mid-May

Fire at this time will reduce the competitive edge of trees and shrubs over warm season grass. Plants that burn at emergence show positive response to fire

Mid-May through mid-July

Period of historic low fire activity due to green vegetation. Burning would impact nesting but is beneficial to warm season grasses.

Mid-July through mid-September

Flammability is a function of weather at this time of year. Fires could damage warm season grasses.

Mid-September through mid -November

Warm season grasses are dormant and cool season are actively growing, so prescribed fire is beneficial to the grassland ecosystem. Negative impacts would be loss of bird habitat, possible soil erosion and loss of livestock forage.

US Fish & Wildlife Service Consultation

When dealing with projects that may affect threatened and endangered species, the US Fish & Wildlife Service will be contacted for consultation and concurrence with determination of affect. There are three threatened/endangered species determinations possible on Federal projects: 1) “no effect” 2) “may affect, is not likely to adversely affect” 3) “ may affect, is likely to adversely affect”. Air Quality and Smoke Management

The State of North Dakota is a member of the Western Regional Air Planning (WRAP) area for air quality. There are two Class I air quality areas in the ND Zone including the Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge and the North and South Units of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, which is in close proximity to the Little Missouri National Grassland. Although prescribed fire is considered a temporary source of air pollution, state and local laws apply to this activity under the general category of “open control burning”.

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Currently the ND Health Department requires an agency to apply for a burn permit in order to conduct a prescribed fire. The burn permit application and smoke management regulations can be accessed at www.ehs.health.nd.us/ndhd/environ/ee/index.htm. Smoke management in ND primarily consists of burning on days with good smoke dispersion, and using atmospheric stability, wind direction, and dispersion to move smoke away from nearby residences and roadways. A map showing the location of the burn unit should be provided with the application to the ND Health Department. The Health Dept. also requests follow up information following completion of the burn, including date burned and final size of burn.

The State of South Dakota does not require an agency to apply for a burn permit in order to conduct a prescribed fire. There are no Class I air quality areas in South Dakota within reasonable proximity to lands managed by the Dakota Prairie Grasslands.

Annual Monitoring Requirements

Dakota Prairie monitoring will follow the three levels described in FSM 1922.7 which are implementation, effectiveness and validation. Implementation monitoring will be used to determine if prescriptions, projects and activities are implemented as designed and are in compliance with fire program and Grassland LRMP objectives, standards and guidelines.

Effectiveness monitoring will be used to determine if plans, prescriptions, projects and activities are effective in meeting management objectives, standards and guidelines. Effectiveness monitoring begins after fire program prescription, project or activity has been implemented. Validation monitoring is used to determine whether initial data, assumptions and coefficients used to develop the fire management program are correct, or if changes need to be made to the program.

Annual Reporting Requirements

1. Fire Reports - For each statistical fire, the District with suppression responsibility will prepare a form 5100-29, individual fire report form, within 10 days of the fire being declared out. The data collected from the report is used by fire managers to monitor and plan fire management programs and organizations, and for analysis purposes. The fire report will be sent to the Grasslands FMO to be checked for accuracy and forwarded to Dispatch where it will be entered into the FIRESTAT program for submission into the database at the Kansas City computer center.

2. FACTS - The Forest Service Activity Tracking System is used to track fuel treatment accomplishments. The FACTS database is web based and can be accessed through I-Web at: http:// iweb.fs.usda.gov

3. Other Reports -

5100-8 – Personnel Employed on Wildfire Suppression and Presuppression Activities5100-9 – Protection Area Acres5100-2 – Integrated Fire Management Organization and Financial Plan

COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS AND INTERAGENCY CONTACTS

There is a Cooperative Fire Protection Agreement between the US Forest Service, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the state of

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North Dakota that provides for the exchange of personnel, equipment, supplies, services and funding among the agencies to improve and facilitate wildland fire management within the ND Zone.

An Annual Operating Plan (AOP) between the Dakota Prairie Grasslands, ND Forest Service, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and Great Plains BIA provides for the coordination and use of resources, including rural fire departments within the North Dakota geographic zone. http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/fire/nrcg/ops_plans_index.htm

The Northern Rockies Region is also signatory to the Cooperative Fire Protection Agreement between the US Forest Service and the state of South Dakota. An Annual Operating Plan between the SD Division of Wildland Fire Suppression and the Dakota Prairie Grasslands provides contracted rural fire department for the Grand River and Cedar River National Grasslands.

Rural Fire Department Agreements between the Dakota Prairie Grasslands and local rural fire departments/districts adjacent to the National Grasslands in North Dakota provides for initial attack protection by RFD’s on the national grasslands. A MOU between the Dakota Prairie Grasslands and US Fish and Wildlife Service – Lake Audubon National Wildlife Refuge provides for initial attack assistance by the Dakota Prairie Grasslands to the USFWS at Lake Ilo Refuge.

Cooperative Agreements and MOU’s between the Dakota Prairie Grasslands and The Nature Conservancy provides for prescribed fire assistance by TNC to the DPG. Agreements with DOI BLM and the North Dakota Forest Service for prescribed burning assistance on the national grasslands.

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APPENDIX ARESTRICTIONS AND CLOSURES

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions

The following acts are prohibited until further notice: 1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire except within a developed

recreation site, or improved site.2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or

while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.

Exemptions: 1. Persons with a written permit that specifically authorizes the otherwise prohibited act.2. Persons using a fire solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels.3. Persons conducting activities in those designated areas where the activity is specifically authorized by written posted notice.4. Any Federal, State or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of official duty.5. All land within a city boundary is exempted.6. Other exemptions unique to each agency/tribe.

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions

The following acts are prohibited until further notice: 1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a campfire2. Smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or

while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter.3. The following acts are prohibited from 1:00 pm to 1:00 am:

a. Operating a chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine for felling bucking skidding, road building, and woodcutting during industrial operations or firewood gathering.

b. Blasting, welding, or other activities that generate flame or flammable material.A patrol is required for one hour following cessation of all work as described in “a” and “b”.

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4. Operating motorized vehicles of designated roads and trails.

Exemptions:1. Persons with a written permit that specifically authorizes the otherwise prohibited act.2. Persons using a fire fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels.3. Persons conducting activities in those designated areas where the activity is specifically

authorized by written posted notice.4. Any Federal, State or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force

in the performance of official duty.5. All land within a city boundary is exempted.6. All exemptions unique to each agency/tribe.

Closure:Based on need and evaluation of the following:

Potential loss of life due to explosive fire conditions. Potential for extreme or blowup fire behavior. Stage II restrictions are not effective in reducing the number of human-caused fires. Resources across the geographic area are at a critical shortage level.

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EXAMPLE

ORDER NO. 01-18-2007-xx

FIRE RESTRICTIONS

Dakota Prairie Grasslands

Pursuant to Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 261.50 (a), the following acts are prohibited on all National Forest System lands within the boundaries of the Little Missouri National Grassland. These prohibitions are in addition to those enumerated in Subpart A, Part 261, Title 36 CFR and become effective at 12:01am Central Daylight Time, August 24, 2004 and will remain in effect until rescinded or revoked.

The following acts are prohibited until further notice:1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire except within a developed

recreation site equipped with metal fire rings or elevated charcoal grills. (36 CFR 261.52(a)).

2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or clear of all flammable materials (36 CFR 261.52(d)).

Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(e) the following persons are exempt from this order:1. Persons with a written permit that specifically authorizes the otherwise prohibited act.2. Persons using fire solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels.3. Persons conducting activities in those designated areas where the activity is specifically

authorized by written posted notice.4. Any Federal, State, or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force

in the performance of official duty.

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5. All land within a city boundary is exempted.6. Other exemptions unique to each agency or tribe

Done at Bismarck, North Dakota this 23rd day of August, 2007.

/s/____________________DAVE PIEPERGrasslands SupervisorDakota Prairie Grasslands

APPENDIX C DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY

The signing of this document delegates the authority and responsibility for the management of the designated incident.

INCIDENT NAME:_______________________________________________________

PROTECTING AGENCY OR GOVERNMENT________________________________

delegates management authority to

INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM_________________________________________

effective

DATE & TIME:__________________________________________________________

The Incident Management Team agrees to manage the incident within the guidelines set forth by the agency or government having protection responsibility for the land on which the incident is located. It is agreed that responsibility for the incident will be returned to the agency or government having protection responsibility once the Incident Management Team has met objectives and management direction.

Agency or Government having Protection Responsibility:

_______________________________________________

Signature: _________________________________ Date: _______________________

Incident Management Team Commander:

_______________________________________________

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Signature: __________________________________ Date: _______________________

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RETURN OF DELEGATED AUTHORITY

The signing of this document returns the authority and responsibility for the management of the designated incident to the agency or government having protection responsibility for the land on which the incident is located.

INCIDENT NAME:_______________________________________________________

INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM ________________________________________

returns authority to

PROTECTING AGENCY OR GOVERNMENT________________________________

It is mutually agreed that the objectives and management direction have been met, and the Incident Management Team is hereby released effective

DATE & TIME:__________________________________________________________

Agency or Government having Protection Responsibility:

_______________________________________________

Signature: _________________________________ Date: _______________________

Incident Management Team Commander:

_______________________________________________

Signature: __________________________________ Date: _______________________

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