Forest Service ignites Swamp Creek

Members of the local National Forest Service fire crew conducted a prescribed, controlled burn near Swamp Creek south of Plains on Tuesday.

The Forest Service fire management effort was part of a systematic plan to eliminate fuel sources that can provide energy to an unintentional fire and allow it to gain strength and burn out of control. Established trees and wildlife were unharmed during the burn, designed to not only control fuel sources but to also support uninhibited movement for animals by removing obstacles such as fallen trees.

The burn was part of the sophisticated fire management system adopted by the Forest Service for a variety of reasons. According to Plains/Thompson Falls Forest Service Ranger Randy Hojem, prescribed burns serve a multi-faceted purpose.

“A burn like the one we will see today is necessary for many reasons. A controlled burn reduces the amount of fuel on the ground and also improves the habitat for native species. A lot goes into this resource management effort. Prescribed burns are just one aspect of what we do,” said Hojem.

According to the Forest Service website, the ecosystem needs periodic, controlled fire to sustain a healthy equilibrium. Fire helps reduce the amount of hazardous fuels on the forest floor, which protects adjacent communities such as Plains from severe fire events.

Controlled fire improves the quality of the environment for native species by minimizing the potential spread of pest insects and diseases as well as returning vital nutrients to the soil. The website goes on to say the reduction of flammable fuels on the forest floor also promotes the growth of new trees, wildflowers and other plants.

The methodology of utilizing fire by the Forest Service has become increasingly sophisticated. First, a burn plan is written specifying the area and means by which the fire will be conducted. Second, a group of highly qualified and trained individuals known as the “fire crew” assemble in the area and hold a hazard analysis meeting. This meeting details the specific methods to be used and potential risks such as steep terrain, changing weather conditions and public safety.

Following the meeting, the team gathered their gear and headed up the slope of the ridge near Swamp Creek. The gear used by the crew was as specialized as their experience and training.

Yellow shirts and green pants made from a flame-retardant material called Nomex is the designated uniform along with hardhats and sturdy work boots. In their packs, the team carries food, water, first aid kits and an emergency fire shelter among other things.

Tools include shovels, picks and the most important tool when setting a prescribed burn, the drip torch. The drip torch is essentially a can holding about a gallon of fuel with a nozzle extending about 12 inches from the top with a wick at the end. The wick is lit and the fuel, a mixture of diesel and gasoline, drizzles flaming fuel onto the ground. A valve on the top of the torch controls the flow.

As one team member took weather readings, the rest of the group fanned out along the top of the ridge and set a few small test fires to gauge the fire conditions. Led by burn boss Rocky Wagoner, the team of about 10 men and women waited for the word to begin the burn.

Around noon, they started by lighting a line of fire extending about 200 yards across the top of the ridge. In order to carefully control the fire, they started at the top and let the fire burn upwards. They use this method to ensure that the fire has a limited amount of fuel, thereby inhibiting the blaze from running out of control.

They then continued to work their way down the slope, setting a lower line of fire parallel to the previous burn above them. Burning one swath of ground after another, the crew would set a new line about 30 to 40 feet below the previous one and let the fire burn upwards. According to Ranger Hojem, this allowed the crew to carefully monitor the success of the burn and allowed them to keep the fire under control.

According to the burn plan, this prescribed burn was to be conducted over a period of two days and included approximately 100 acres of Forest Service land. Hojem said the plan was designed to minimize damage to larger trees. Most of the fire was contained to lower levels of the forest and merely scorched larger, established trees.