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Northern Rockies Coordinating Group Fire Restrictions & Closure Fire Prevention & Education Committee 2013 Season

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Northern Rockies Coordinating Group. 2013 Season. Fire Restrictions & Closure. Fire Prevention & Education Committee. Objectives. Define fire restrictions and closure program, including its purpose. Provide consistent information across the Northern Rockies regarding restrictions: - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

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GLFML Unit ii-f

Northern Rockies Coordinating GroupFire Restrictions & ClosureFire Prevention & Education Committee

2013 Season1ObjectivesDefine fire restrictions and closure program, including its purpose.

Provide consistent information across the Northern Rockies regarding restrictions:InitiationImplementationRescission NRCG Fire Prevention & Education Committee: Fire Restrictions & Closure Training2ObjectivesDistinguish between fire restrictions and burn bans.

Explain the importance of frequent inter-agency, inter-area coordination.

Direct stakeholders and the public to current restrictions information.NRCG Fire Prevention & Education Committee: Fire Restrictions & Closure Training3Restrictions and ClosuresFire restrictions and closures impose limitations on the general public and private industry and should be implemented only after other fire prevention measures have been taken.

In general, fire restrictions should be considered when high to extreme fire danger exists and is predicted to persist, human-caused fires are increasing, and current fire activity is impacting available suppression resources.

Closures within an Area should only be implemented under the most severe conditions.NRCG Fire Prevention & Education Committee: Fire Restrictions & Closure TrainingIt is important to note that fire restrictions should not be your fire prevention program. Restrictions should be considered only after other fire prevention measures have been taken and are unsuccessful at preventing human-caused fires.4Fire RestrictionsEach jurisdictional agency has the authority to implement restrictions and closures within its boundaries.

Restrictions process begins with recommendations from local fire officials from each agency.

Within each Area, the Area Restrictions Coordinators assist cooperating agencies with the initiation, implementation and rescission of restrictions.

NRCG Fire Prevention & Education Committee: Fire Restrictions & Closure TrainingIt is important to note that the restrictions process can only restrict/enforce existing code, as written in the authorities. For example Title 43 CFR gives the BLM the authority to restrict the activities; and the enabling documents should reflect the wording in these authorities. If there is no code or law that gives an entity the authority to restrict various activities, those activities cannot be written into the fire restriction. Fireworks is an example of this. 5AuthoritiesNRCG Fire Prevention & Education Committee: Fire Restrictions & Closure TrainingU. S. Department of the Interior Code of Federal RegulationsFederal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976

USDA Forest ServiceCode of Federal Regulations

TribalCode of Federal RegulationsTreatiesTribal ConstitutionOrdinances

State and Private ForestedState Code Annotated

Local CountyState Code AnnotatedState Constitution

The Agencies listed on this slide operate and have authority from the following documents. (Feel free to add in your specific state name in place of the word state ex. Montana Code Annotated)

Fire restrictions and closures are invoked on state, federal, tribal trust and private lands under federal and state laws (refer to Appendix 1 of the NRCG Fire Restrictions & Closure Guidelines handout). Agency Administrators/Tribal Chairpersons are responsible for coordinating with other agencies/tribes, issuing appropriate documents and the enforcement of restrictions and closures for those lands on which they have authority.Agencies/tribes are responsible for incorporating the geographic guidelines into their appropriate policy and procedures manuals. Restrictions and closure procedures shall be uniform across individual areas and the geographic area.The NRCG Operating Plan for Fire Restriction and Closure Procedures tiers from the Cooperative Fire Wildland Fire Protection and Stafford Act Response Agreements for the states of Idaho, Montana, and North Dakota.

6Enabling DocumentsU. S. Department of the InteriorManager: Fire Prevention or Special OrderUSDA Forest ServiceForest Supervisor: Special OrderTribalTribal Chairperson: Tribal OrderState and PrivateState Forester/Governor: ProclamationLocalCounty Commission: Resolution/Ordinance

NRCG Fire Prevention & Education Committee: Fire Restrictions & Closure TrainingCounties will vary greatly. While some counties will have to produce a special resolution to restrict activities, others may already have an existing ordinance in place to restrict the activities.7Enabling DocumentsU.S. Dept. of Interior

Fire Prevention or Special Order

Field Office ManagerRefuge ManagerSuperintendentNRCG Fire Prevention & Education Committee: Fire Restrictions & Closure Training

DOI BLM uses Fire Prevention Order, signed by the Field Office ManagerDOI FWS uses Special Order, signed by the Refuge ManagerDOI BIA signatory is the agency Superintendent. Tribal restrictions/bans are usually independent of the BIA.DOI NPS uses Special Order, signed by the Park Superintendent8Enabling DocumentsUSDA Forest Service

Special Order

Forest Supervisor

NRCG Fire Prevention & Education Committee: Fire Restrictions & Closure TrainingInsert jpeg of document

Forest Service uses a Special Order signed by the Forest Supervisor

9Enabling DocumentsTribal

Tribal Order

Tribal ChairpersonNRCG Fire Prevention & Education Committee: Fire Restrictions & Closure Training

Enabling DocumentsState and Private

Proclamation

State Forester/GovernorNRCG Fire Prevention & Education Committee: Fire Restrictions & Closure Training

11Enabling DocumentsLocal

Resolution/Ordinance

County CommissionNRCG Fire Prevention & Education Committee: Fire Restrictions & Closure Training

Area BoundariesNRCG Fire Prevention & Education Committee: Fire Restrictions & Closure Training

13Multiple JurisdictionsNRCG Fire Prevention & Education Committee: Fire Restrictions & Closure TrainingWithin each restriction Area, there are multiple jurisdictions that may not follow county lines.

This phenomena may result in multiple difficulties during the process, highlighting the importance of coordination and communication prior to a jurisdiction implementing restrictions.

Example of how one restrictions area consists of multiple jurisdictions, which do not follow county lines. This highlights the importance of coordination and communication among such jurisdictions when deciding to implement restrictions. (All jurisdictions do not need to enter into restrictions at the same time. However, doing so if deemed appropriate given the conditions may be less confusing to the public.)14NRCG Guide/Area PlansNRCG Fire Prevention & Education Committee: Fire Restrictions & Closure Training

Local cooperators develop Area Restrictions Plans, tiered to the NRCG Guidelines.

Update & validate annually.

Includes a communications strategy.

Phone contacts:Agency AdministratorsRestrictions CoordinatorsInteragency Fire ManagersMedia ContactsNRCG Restrictions Guide should be the parent document for all restrictions area plans (copy located in desk reference guide handout).Each restrictions area should develop their plan, involving all partners/cooperators in the respective restrictions area.Cooperators will determine how often the plan will be updated (some areas do so every 3 years and some update the plan every year).Plan should include a communications strategy, which includes a contact list for key players (discussed in roles and responsibilities section).

Contact your Area Restrictions Coordinator for a copy of your specific plan.15Roles & ResponsibilitiesNRCG Fire Prevention & Education Committee: Fire Restrictions & Closure Training Geographic Agency Administrators

Northern Rockies Coordinating Group

Geographic Restrictions Coordinator

Area Agency Administrator/Chairperson*** Refer to Restrictions Desk Reference Guide for specific roles and responsibilities (handouts for those attending the training).

Geographic Agency AdministratorsIncorporate NRCG guidelines into agency policy and procedures manuals.Ensure that NRCG has the support they need to perform successfully.Ensure the Area Agency Administrators consistently implement restrictions procedures, as described in guidelines document.Coordinate the implementation, rescission and public notification of restrictions/closure on a large-scale basis.

NRCGDevelop and maintain the restriction and closure procedures.Ensure that training is provided to agency personnel and cooperators.Provide a Geographic Restrictions Coordinator.Provide a clearinghouse for Area restrictions and closure information.Provide fire prevention messages, as needed.

Geographic Restrictions CoordinatorFacilitate the restrictions implementation and rescission processes on a geographic basis.Monitor restriction activity across all Areas.Provide an assessment of conditions and issues to the Geographic Agency Administrators.Coordinate the need for large-scale closures across all agencies.Maintain a geographic website for restrictions and closure information, serving as the liaison to the webmaster.

Area Agency Administrator and/or Tribal ChairEnsure the agency/tribe is prepared to implement restrictions and closure.Identify and approve agency-specific exemptions.Ensure that agency/tribal restrictions documents are accurate and approved through legal counsel.Ensure that agency/tribe follows all measures stated in their restrictions document.Ensure agency implementation and enforcement of restrictions and closure.Identify a lead Area Agency Administrator responsible for facilitating the decision-making and implementation processes. Annually identify and disseminate any permanent restrictions and closure information.

16Roles & ResponsibilitiesNRCG Fire Prevention & Education Committee: Fire Restrictions & Closure Training Lead Area Agency Administrator/Chair

Area Restrictions Coordinator

Area Media Coordinator

*** Refer to Restrictions Desk Reference Guide for specific roles and responsibilities (handouts for those attending the training).

Lead Area Agency Administrator/Tribal ChairEnsure coordination across all agencies and tribes within the Area.Develop Area restrictions and closure plan.Select an Area Restrictions Coordinator.Select an Area Media Coordinator.Follow and endorse the NRCG restrictions and closure guidelines.Ensure the restrictions and media coordinators have the tools they need to perform successfully.Monitor the enacted restrictions and provide timely feedback to the Area Restrictions Coordinator.

Area Restrictions CoordinatorCoordinate the decision-making process.Gather all information from all cooperators necessary to make informed decisions; monitor fire activity, ERC levels, prevention efforts, etc.Facilitate the restrictions implementation process.Coordinate public notification with the media coordinator.Communicate and coordinate with adjacent Areas regarding their restrictions and closure activity.Monitor conditions and gather information for timely rescission of restrictions/closure.Post restrictions and closure information on the national restrictions website.Provide information regarding known agency/tribe permanent restrictions/closure to the Geographic Restrictions Coordinator.

Area Media CoordinatorDevelop an Area communications strategy.Release Area restrictions information to the public.Post media release on the national restrictions website.

17

Coordination & CommunicationNRCG Fire Prevention & Education Committee: Fire Restrictions & Closure TrainingCoordinate the restrictions and closure process among Area partners.

LCESProvide accurate, consolidated restrictions information for the media, general public, partners, volunteers & employees.Why Coordination ?less confusing for your audience when there are similar, but different messages about restrictions (can see them all at once) especially the media, since they are key in getting out your message to the publicStrengthens the importance of your messageEstablishes key contact information for media and the public more info contacts

Communication:Lessen confusion about the who, what where and when of each partners fire restrictionsBe sure to leave enough lead time for implementationBe sure media releases are clear, concise, and understandable for each agency/entityConsider overlap of media markets and the Restrictions Areas (Missoula media reaches all the way to Kalispell, but these are different Restrictions Areas and may have different requirements). Highlights the importance of coordinating news releases with adjacent Restrictions Areas.

18Pre-season ActivitiesNRCG Fire Prevention & Education Committee: Fire Restrictions & Closure TrainingAll partners should plan and implement fire prevention campaigns, utilizing key messages and enforcement patrols.

Utilize Area fire prevention working groups, if available.

Before Fire SeasonReview & validate the plan.Develop documents in template format.

Before fire season Annually land managers will review and validate the planAll press releases, description of stages and other documents should be in template format before start of fire seasonAs conditions approach threshold levels, cooperators should be planning a meeting or conference call to discuss restriction implementation

19Process

NRCG Fire Prevention & Education Committee: Fire Restrictions & Closure Training

Multiple Or Large FiresWith high to extreme fire danger, your first option should be your fire prevention program. Use your communications plan to get the word out about the high fire danger, increase patrols in popular areas, increase the amount of visitor contacts with fire personnel and frontliners, etc.

20Stage I RestrictionsNRCG Fire Prevention & Education Committee: Fire Restrictions & Closure TrainingCampfires prohibited except as exempted by agency

Smoking prohibitions

Stage I does not include permanent restrictions that are always in place, as determined by a specific land management unit and their orders/laws/regulations. Example: campfires are permanently banned along a section of the Flathead River on land managed by Confederated, Salish & Kootenai Tribes.LPG = liquid petroleum or liquid propane gas. LPG stoves allowed; must be able to turn on/off.Designated sites where campfires are allowed should be named on the enabling document (XYZ campground). We no longer use the terminology fire pit at a developed campsite. Each agency must specify WHERE campfires will be allowed in their enabling documents. This can be done in the exemptions section or up-front at the beginning of the order where language restricting campfires is located. Mitigation measures, if any, should also be listed.Smoking prohibitions = may differ slightly for each agency/tribe; consult specific authorities/laws. Smoking is not allowed unless within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.21Stage II RestrictionsNRCG Fire Prevention & Education Committee: Fire Restrictions & Closure TrainingCampfires prohibited except as exempted by agency

Smoking prohibitions

Off-road vehicle prohibitions

Acts prohibited from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Campfires prohibited, unless specifically exempted by the agencys enabling document. Most agencies will prohibit them; in rare cases, an agency may allow them at specific sites, with use of mitigation measures.LPG = liquid petroleum or propane gas; LPG stoves are allowed. Must be able to turn it on/off. Certain acts (use of internal combustion engine; welding, use of acetylene or other torch with open flame; use of an explosive) are prohibited from 1:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.. One-hour foot patrol required after cessation of such acts. (previously referred to Hoot Owl)Smoking prohibitions = may differ slightly for each agency/tribe; consult specific authorities/laws. Smoking is not allowed unless within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.Operating vehicles off designated roads and trails is prohibited (as defined by an agencys travel management policy).

22ProcessNRCG Fire Prevention & Education Committee: Fire Restrictions & Closure TrainingInitiation Public awareness campaigns.

Restrictions Coordinator initiates discussions.

Coordinate timing (restrictions, rescissions, media releases) across all entities.

Initiation of Restrictions Public awareness campaign keeping the media and public informed of the possibility of restrictionsRestrictions coordinator is organizing calls or meetings to keep all cooperators informed and is coordinating the timing of restrictions. You have met your thresholds (see Decision Criteria slide) and decide to go to restrictionsAll representatives in your Area are informing their agency administrator /tribal chairperson that restrictions are going to be implemented.Area Restrictions Coordinator will coordinate the restriction stages (who is going to what stage and where), when you are going into restrictions and the timing of the media releases.

Note: Restrictions/ Closures should be initiated early in the week so that the public can be well informed before they make recreation plans for the weekend. 23Decision CriteriaCRITERIASTAGE 1STAGE 2CLOSUREERC (3-day avg.)90-94th percentile95-97th percentile98th percentileLive Fuel Moisture10075501000-hr Fuel Moist.141312* Thresholds for fuel moistures will vary by restrictions area.NRCG Fire Prevention & Education Committee: Fire Restrictions & Closure TrainingWhen weather factors or fire impacts become a concern, guiding criteria can be used to help in the decision regarding implementation of restrictions. These guiding criteria should be reviewed and evaluated by cooperators prior to the fire season.Threshold criteria should well exceed the normal fire season conditions and should be derived from the Area interagency NFDRS operating plan. The current slide is an example from one Area; values will vary across restriction Areas.24Decision CriteriaCurrent fire activity impacting resources.

High/increased # of human-caused fires.

Adverse fire weather conditions/risks are predicted to continue.

Life safety is jeopardized.NRCG Fire Prevention & Education Committee: Fire Restrictions & Closure TrainingOther criteria to consider in the decision-making process include:Current fire activity is impacting available suppression resources, making adequate initial attack difficult.Area is experiencing a high occurrence of human-caused fires.Adverse fire weather conditions/risks predicted to continue.Life safety is jeopardized.

Could also consider if special events are scheduled to happen, increasing the number of recreational visitors and/or the potential for human-caused starts.

25ProcessNRCG Fire Prevention & Education Committee: Fire Restrictions & Closure TrainingImplementationRestrictions Coordinator documents decisions.

Agencies complete, sign, fax/email documents to Restrictions Coordinator.

Written permits for exemptions/exceptions/waivers.

Notification to internal employees.

Public notification and signage on affected agency jurisdiction(s).

Implementation of RestrictionsArea Restrictions Coordinator will document restriction and closure decisions on the NRCG decision document. This is the record of the collective decisions by cooperators within a given restrictions Area.Agency Administrator/ Tribal Chairperson will be responsible for assuring that documents are completed and signed. (See enabling documents.)Coordinator should work with media coordinator on public notification. (Follow the communications and outreach strategy.)Each agency/ tribe will post signs and notifications, according to their procedures and regulations.When restrictions are in effect the only exemptions, exceptions, or waivers will be through written individual permits or in the case of industrial operations, where specific operations and exemptions are identified and mitigation measures are implemented as outlined in an agency plan. If exempting permits are issued, all affected agencies/tribes will be notified. (See exemptions slides.)Each agency/tribe will be responsible for informing their employees of the restrictions. Make sure front liners have a copy of the restrictions order and map.Restrictions Coordinator will post current restrictions on the national restrictions website.26Website: www.firerestrictions.us NRCG Fire Prevention & Education Committee: Fire Restrictions & Closure Training

27NRCG Fire Prevention & Education Committee: Fire Restrictions & Closure Trainingwww.firerestrictions.us

Website: www.firerestrictions.us 28OutreachNRCG Fire Prevention & Education Committee: Fire Restrictions & Closure TrainingCooperative Extension - local county agents

Local Government Center - contacts for county commissioner & city officials

County Fire Councils - contacts for all fire managers in the county

Northern Rockies Coordinating Group contacts with a variety of agencies and fire personnel

Agency Fire Prevention and Education Specialists contacts with public

Non-profit / Community GroupsFireSafe Montana - local firesafe councilsFirewise - local firewise communitiesKeep Montana Green Ready Set Go Recreation User GroupsSporting Goods StoresChamber of Commerce OrganizationsThere are many resources out there to assist with getting the message out to the public, local government, and other community groups. This slide provides ideas of organizations that can assist you with contacts and raising public awareness. (feel free to tailor this slide to be more location specific to your where you are presenting)29Signing/PostingNRCG Fire Prevention & Education Committee: Fire Restrictions & Closure TrainingSigned orders/proclamations provide authority.

Restrictions Coordinators ensure consistency and work with Media Coordinators.

Sign posting should include agency sites in the field and locations throughout the community.

Media press releases and community contacts.

Electronic trap lines and posting to website.The signed order/proclamation provides the authority for an agency/entity to enter into restrictions. These signed orders should be shared with cooperators within a Restrictions Area so all are aware of the restrictions in effect on what land.The Restrictions Coordinator works directly with the Media Coordinator to ensure consistency in disseminating restrictions information, considering the time needed to post agency sites and share information within affected areas.Information regarding restrictions should be distributed widely to the public; they need to know!The restriction order must be available at FS offices.the actual order does not have to be in the field, but sites must be signed in a matter that the public can understand.Posting of signs should include the agency sites affected (trailheads, campgrounds, as well as offices) and key locations around the community (see trap line discussion below).Trap Lines should include outdoor businesses, chamber of commerce offices, hardware stores, etc Electronic dissemination may include e-trap lines (agency public affairs staff have these emailing lists already set up) and posting the restrictions (summation of the order/proclamation) to the national restrictions website.

See the desk reference guide for examples of restrictions signs for posting.

30Enforcement

Wildfire Prevention Guide PMS 456, June 1998NRCG Fire Prevention & Education Committee: Fire Restrictions & Closure TrainingJurisdictions have to be signed; the public needs to know.

The signs should be posted prior to enforcement.

Adequacy of resources for enforcement patrols.The public needs to know what is restricted and where.All jurisdictions should be physically signed. (Some agencies/tribes will post the order, a sign and a map; others will not include the order/proclamation itself.)Signs should be posted prior to enforcement. When deciding on the timeline for implementation of restrictions, consider the time necessary for this posting to occur.Consider whether or not you have adequate resources for enforcement patrols.31RescissionPlan restrictions for long-term fire danger.

Do not react to small fluctuations in risk, weather and fire danger.

When danger subsides, Area Restrictions Coordinator will work with Media Coordinator to distribute information.NRCG Fire Prevention & Education Committee: Fire Restrictions & Closure TrainingWhen deciding if you will remove the restrictions think about the timing and the public impact. You need to have enough time to rescind your original order and to give the media coordinator time to inform the public.

Make sure that all the agencies/ tribes in your Area are informed of the decision and that adjacent Areas know you will be rescinding restrictions.

When Area Agency Administrators/ Tribal Chairpersons agree that the restrictions should be removed, the coordinator will work with Area media coordinator to disseminate public information.

Rescinding restrictions, much like enacting them,--all partners do not have to go in and out at the same time, but if some partners are ready, coordinate the date and time if possible.

Keep long-term fire danger in mind when deciding whether or not to rescind restrictions; do not react to every small fluctuation in risk, weather and fire danger.

32Burn Bans in MontanaNRCG Fire Prevention & Education Committee: Fire Restrictions & Closure TrainingBurning allowed by a burn permit is usually banned by resolution, but can be an ordinance (MCA 7-33-22 or 7-5-108).

Typically based on high fire hazard areas; some counties restrict based on air quality.

Typically authorized by Principal Executive Officer (county commission); may be delegated.*** Information on this slide is for MONTANA. Other states will have to adjust this slide, based on their code. Most Montana Counties restrict burning by either not issuing Burn Permits (in counties that require burn permits MCA 7-33-2205) or by defining High Fire Hazard Areas (MCA 7-33-2212).Some counties and many cities also have enacted Ordinances on burning (MCA 7-5-108).Typically the main legal standing is defining a High Fire Hazard Area and identifying restrictions in that area.Some counties regulate burning through air quality laws (i.e. Missoula County).Authorities can varyClosing burn permits is within the authority of the fire chief. Some counties close permits in all fire protection jurisdictions at once, while others close permits on a jurisdiction by jurisdiction basis.The authority for a High Fire Hazard Area rests with the Principal Executive Officer (chair of county commission).The authority in an ordinance will come from the Principal Executive Officer, however the authority to enact actions in the ordinance (burn ban) may be delegated to another person.Municipalities are often a legal loophole due to many municipalities not addressing burning in their ordinances. High Fire Hazard Areas do not apply to municipalities and they would primarily rely on their ordinances.33Exemptions to RestrictionsNRCG Fire Prevention & Education Committee: Fire Restrictions & Closure TrainingStandard Written into agencys/tribes enabling documents.Mitigation measures should be included.Do not absolve liability or responsibility for fire.

Exemptions valid for both Stage I and II.Specific locations where campfires will be allowed.With a written permit.Device fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels.Where activity is authorized by written posted notice.Officer or rescue/firefighting force on official duty.Land within city boundary.Others unique to agency/tribe.Use of sheepherder stoves and/or river pans (w/ mitigation).Standard exemptions are written into the enabling document, at the discretion of the agency. (see Appendix 5 of the NRCG Restrictions Guidelines document in desk reference handout)Mitigation measures may be included (i.e. LPG stoves exemption).Exemptions do not absolve an individual or organization from liability or responsibility for any fire started by the exempted activity.Standard exemptions valid for Stage I and II restrictions may include the following:Where campfires will be allowed (specific location like XYZ Campground), as determined by the individual agency/tribe.Persons with a written permit that specifically authorizes the otherwise prohibited act.Persons using a device solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off; such devices can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the device. Persons conducting activities in those designated areas where the activity is specifically authorized by written posted notice.Any Federal, State or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.All land within a city boundary is exempted.Other exemptions unique to each agency/tribe.Use of sheepherder stoves, with mitigation measures written out.Use of river pans, with mitigation measures written out.

34Exemptions to RestrictionsNRCG Fire Prevention & Education Committee: Fire Restrictions & Closure TrainingStandard

Exemptions valid for Stage II only Operating generators (w/mitigation measures).Operating motorized vehicles on designated roads and trails.Emergency repair of public utilities .Emergency repair of railroads.

For State II restrictions only, the following exemptions are added to the previous list above:Operating generators with an approved spark arresting device within an enclosed vehicle or building or in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the generator.Operating motorized vehicles on designated roads and trails, as defined by an agency travel management plan.Emergency repair of public utilities and railroads during Hoot Owl (1 p.m. to 1 a.m.), as per attached conditions. (Stage II restriction authorized exemption for these activities identifies emergency conditions and on-site measures required to mitigate those conditions that would otherwise be prohibited under Stage II. The exemption would be noted on each agencys restrictions document; the terms and conditions become part of this document, so a permit need not be issued. Coordination and Communication within and between adjacent restrictions Areas are critical.35Exemptions to RestrictionsNRCG Fire Prevention & Education Committee: Fire Restrictions & Closure TrainingSpecial/Case-by-case Need determined by individual agency/tribe.Include mitigation measures.Include vehicle requirements.Coordination and communication are critical.For industrial operations.

An entity may determine the need for a special exemption on a case-by-case basis. A written permit must be signed prior to conducting an otherwise prohibited activity.The written permit will vary by agency, but should include mitigation measures and vehicle requirements.Coordination and communication with partners within the restrictions Area and among adjacent Areas is important to ensure everyone is aware of such exemptions.For industrial operations. Examples may include: road-grading, oil and gas exploration, drilling, blasting, chipseal operations, road grading, campsite construction, mining, livestock management, cultural activities, logging/forestry management.

36Small-scale ClosureNRCG Fire Prevention & Education Committee: Fire Restrictions & Closure TrainingIsolated areas where public and/or firefighter safety is a concern.On-going incidentExtreme fire conditionsCoordinate with all Area agencies/tribes.Coordinate with adjacent Areas.Exemptions authorized by Agency Administrator/Tribal Chair and/or the Incident Commander.

Small scale ClosuresSuch closures are typically due to on-going incident, extreme fire conditions, and or when safety of the public and/or firefighters is a concern. These closures should be coordinated and all agencies/tribes within the Area and adjacent Areas should be informed.Exemptions to incident-related closures will be authorized by the impacted agencys Agency Administrator/Tribal Chairperson and/or the Incident Commander.

37Small-scale ClosureNRCG Fire Prevention & Education Committee: Fire Restrictions & Closure Training

Example closure order and accompanying map for incident-related, small-scale closure.38Large-scale ClosureNRCG Fire Prevention & Education Committee: Fire Restrictions & Closure TrainingGeographic Agency Administrators assess.

May involve multiple units and/or jurisdictions.

Evaluation guidelines may include:Potential loss of life due to extreme fire conditionsPotential for extreme fire behaviorStage II restrictions not effective in reducing # of human-caused firesCritical shortage of firefighting resources across the geographic level

Standard exemptions noted on closure documents.

Large-scale ClosuresGeographic Agency Administrators assess the evaluation guidelines and determine the levels that substantiate the need for large-scale closures.Large-scale closure may involve multiple management units and/or multiple jurisdictions.The evaluation guidelines may include the following:Potential loss of life due to extreme fire conditionsPotential for extreme fire behaviorStage II restrictions are not effective in reducing the number of human-caused firesResources across the geographic level are at a critical shortage level

Standard exemptions will be allowed and should be on the closure documents. These exemptions include the following:Persons with a written permit that specifically authorizes the otherwise prohibited act.Emergency repair of public utilities and railroads, as per attached conditions.Persons conducting activities in those designated areas where the activity is specifically authorized by written posted notice.Any Federal, State or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.All land within a city boundary is exempted.Other exemptions unique to each agency/tribe. 39Helpful ToolsNRCG Fire Prevention & Education Committee: Fire Restrictions & Closure TrainingDesk reference guide

Restrictions stages wallet card/signs

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

40OtherNRCG Fire Prevention & Education Committee: Fire Restrictions & Closure TrainingInsert any agency-specific or area-specific information here!To be utilized by the presenters.41Comments/QuestionsNRCG Fire Prevention & Education Committee: Fire Restrictions & Closure TrainingWhen you partner with a partner you can do great things. --Bullwinkle

42

F10-071-S-07F14-079-S-07SPECIAL ORDER

STAGE I FIRE RESTRICTIONS

FLATHEAD AND KOOTENAI NATIONAL FORESTS

REGION ONEPursuant to 36 Code of Federal Regulations 261.50 (a) and (b) the following acts are prohibited on all National Forest System lands administered by the Kootenai and Flathead National Forests in Lincoln, Sanders, Flathead, Missoula, Lewis & Clark, Powell, and Lake Counties, Montana. These restrictions are in addition to those enumerated in Subpart A, Part 261, Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations and become effective at 0001 a.m. Mountain Daylight Time on Monday, July 23, 2007 and will remain in effect until rescinded.

36 FR 261.52 - Fire

1. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or stove fire.

[36 CFR 261.52(a)]

Note: For the purpose of this order under Stage I fire restrictions, stove fires, campfires and charcoal fires are allowed ONLY at developed designated recreation sites, campgrounds or improved sites, as listed in Exhibit A.Open fires contained in fire pans will be allowed below the high water line on the North Fork and Middle Fork of the Flathead River.

In addition, completely contained wood stoves with a fire screen or spark arrester are allowed ONLY in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex.

Fires fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels may be used anywhere on National Forest System lands during Stage I fire restrictions.

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 material.[36 CFR 261.52(d)]Note: For the purpose of this order under Stage I fire restrictions the above exception for smoking also includes improved places of habitation, developed designated recreation sites, campgrounds or improved sites, as listed in Exhibit A, where an area at least three feet in diameter is barren or cleared of all flammable material.

NOTE: This order also applies to all Flathead National Forest System lands within the Bob Marshall and Great Bear Wilderness Areas within the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex.

Exemptions:

Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this order:

1. Persons with a permit specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or

omission.

2. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or

firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.

Done this __20th _______ day of ___July__, 2007.

_/s/ Paul Bradford_______________

______________________________

PAUL BRADFORD

CATHY BARBOULETOS

Forest Supervisor

Forest Supervisor

Kootenai National Forest

Flathead National Forest

Penalty:

Violations of these prohibitions are punishable by a fine of not more than $5000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment of not more than 6 months, or both. (16 U.S.C. 551 and 18 U.S.C. 3559 and 3571).

Notification:

A copy of this order shall be posted as prescribed under 36 CFR 261.51.

EXHIBIT A

In accordance with Stage I Fire Restrictions evoked under this Special Forest Order that within the developed sites and special use permit resorts listed below all persons shall be authorized to build and use a campfire within the confines of a metal or concrete fire ring or grill provided by the Forest Service or by the resort for that purpose. Fires within rock fire rings are not authorized. This exemption may be rescinded at any time due to severe weather conditions or major fire activity.

KOOTENAI NATIONAL FOREST

Fortine Ranger District

Big Therriault Campground

Birch Creek Recreation Area

Blue Lake

Clarence Guard Station

Grave Creek Campground

Horse Camp

Little Therriault Campground

Louis Lake

Murphy Lake Campground

North Dickey Lake Campground

South Dickey Lake Day Use Area

Weasel Cabin

Weasel Lake

Rexford Ranger District

Peck Gulch Campground Ant Flat Education Center

Rexford Bench Campground

Rocky Gorge Campground

Camp 32 Campground

Dispersed sites along the Grave Creek Rd system, north of Birch Creek Recreation Area.

Three Rivers Ranger DistrictBad Medicine Campground

Caribou Campground

Dorr Skeels Recreation Site

Kilbrennan Lake Campground

Pete Creek Campground

Redtop Campground

Ross Creek Picnic Area

Spar Lake Campground

Upper Ford Cabin

Whitetail Campground

Yaak River Campground

Yaak Falls Campground

Libby Ranger District

Howard Lake Campground

Lake Creek Campground

Loon Lake Campground

McGillivray Campground & Day Area

McGregor Lake Campground

Timberlane Campground

Sylvan Lake Campground

Koocanusa Marina

FLATHEAD NATIONAL FOREST

Swan Lake Ranger District

Blair Flats Dispersed Site

Holland Lake Lodge, Campgrounds, and Picnic Areas

Lindbergh Lake Campground

Mission Lookout Cabin Rental

Owl Packer Camp

Swan Lake Campground

Pine Ridge Dispersed Site

Tally Lake Ranger District

Tally Lake Campground

Sylvia Lake Campground

Ashley Lake North Campground

Ashley Lake South Campground

Ashley Lake Boat Launch

Hungry Horse/Glacier View Ranger District

Big Creek Campground & Day Use Area

Devils Creek Campground

Devils Corkscrew Campground

Emery Bay Campground

Ford Cabin

Glacier Institute

Lakeview Campground

Lid Creek Campground

Lost Johnny Camp

Lost Johnny Point Campground

Moose Lake Campground

Murray Bay Campground

North and South Lion Lake Picnic Areas

Red Meadow Campground

Rover Cabin

Schnaus Cabin

Tuchuck Campground

Wurtz Cabin

Zips Place Cabin

Spotted Bear Ranger District

Beaver Creek Campground

Bunker Park Camping Area

Gorge Creek Trailhead

Meadow Creek Host Site

Peters Creek Campground

South Creek Trailhead

Spotted Bear Administrative Site

Spotted Bear Campground

Spotted Bear Landing Strip

Diamond R Guest Ranch

Spotted Bear Guest Ranch

Wilderness Lodge

Cabinet Ranger District

Big Eddy Campground

Bull River Campground

Bull River Guard Station

Gem Peak Lookout

Marten Creek Campground

North Shore Campground

Triangle Pond Campground

Sex Peak Lookout

Willow Creek Campground

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