Fire Rescue helicopter
First, you have to understand fire control lines, which is “an inclusive term for all constructed or natural barriers and treated fire edges used to control a fire,” according to the National Wildfire Coordinating Group’s glossary of Wildland Fire Terminology that LA Fire Department spokesman Brian Humphrey said was a good source for such understanding.
As for what containment means, Humphrey explains: “In essence, anything less than a ‘full’ (aka 100%) fire control line surrounding a wildland blaze is estimated by the Incident Commander in a percentage, and that number is the containment factor.”
Slide Fire May 28 map
Humphrey warns that there is some “relative meaningfulness or meaninglessness,” in the numbers. After all, a fire can easily go from 80% contained back to 25% if winds pick up and spread the fire beyond the control line.
Annette Woodhead, a battalion chief with the Sandy City, CA, Fire Department, says they guesstimate containment based on what percentage of the fire they have surrounded.
As for the NWCG’s glossary, it offers this definition for “contained” and “containment”:
The status of a wildfire suppression action signifying that a control line has been completed around the fire, and any associated spot fires, which can reasonably be expected to stop the fire’s spread.
This SedonaEye.com exclusive article courtesy of Floyd Ingram and Jake Austin, Owners, Arizona Helicopter Adventures, Sedona, Arizona.
For the best Arizona news and views, read www.SedonaEye.com daily!
Interesting! Thank you for the information!
“Hope all is safe. Have had you on the mind since the news reports of the fire.”
Praying for you in Pennsylvania.
Liked this article on Facebook.
Due to increasing fire danger the Prescott National Forest will implement Stage II fire restrictions effective Friday, May 23, at 8 a.m. These additional fire restrictions will remain in effect until forest officials determine that conditions have changed sufficiently to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfire.
Stage II fire restrictions prohibit the following:
Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or stove fire, including fires in developed campgrounds and improved sites.
Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
Discharging a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun, except while engaged in a lawful hunt pursuant to state, federal, or tribal laws and regulations.
Operating any internal combustion engine from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Welding or operating acetylene or other torch with an open flame.
Exemptions to the restrictions include the following:
1. Using a device fueled solely 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 three feet of the device.
2. 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 three feet of the generator.
3. Operating motorized vehicles in compliance with forest Travel Management regulations.
4. Discharging of firearms is allowed at The Prescott Sportsmen’s Club unless otherwise determined by a Forest Official.
Know Before You Go! To help you understand where and when fire restrictions and possible closures exist, there are several resources available. The public can obtain additional fire information via the following:
Arizona Fire Restrictions http://firerestrictions.us/az/
Arizona Fire Prevention & Information (fire restrictions & red flag alerts) http://wildlandfire.az.gov/
Public Lands in Arizona and New Mexico 1-877-864-6985
Prescott NF Fire Information Hotline: (928) 777-5799
Prescott NF Forest Website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/prescott/
Local Ranger Stations: Bradshaw Ranger District, (928) 443-8000; Chino Valley Ranger District (928) 777-2200; Verde Ranger District (928) 567-4121
Liked and shared this article on Facebook.
Hallelujah ! First smoke free morning in 10 days. Thank you to all of the heroes that kept us safe from this tragic fire. Sedona is smoke free and open !