Fire Planning & Preparation Flashcards

Per PMS 484, a prescribed fire must be declared a wildfire when:

Answer: It is outside prescription and cannot be contained by on-site holding plus available contingency resources within the planned time

A wildfire declaration is made when the fire exceeds prescription and cannot be returned to it with planned holding and contingency resources.

What is the purpose of a test fire?

Answer: To evaluate fire behavior, smoke dispersal, and suitability of conditions before full ignition

The test fire confirms that actual fire behavior and smoke match predictions before committing to full ignition.

Which change to a burn plan requires a formal amendment approved by the agency administrator?

Answer: Changing the prescription parameters

Substantive changes such as prescription parameters require a written amendment and re-approval.

A unit borders a highway downwind. Which burn plan element most directly addresses this hazard?

Answer: Smoke management and air quality element, including mitigation like signage and traffic control

The smoke management element identifies sensitive receptors such as roads and sets mitigation measures.

If the Agency Administrator Ignition Authorization expires before ignition occurs, what must happen?

Answer: A new or renewed authorization must be obtained before ignition

Ignition cannot proceed without a valid, current agency administrator authorization.

Which complexity rating outcome usually requires a more qualified burn boss, such as RXB1 rather than RXB2?

Answer: High complexity

High-complexity burns require an RXB1, while low and moderate burns may be led by an RXB2.

Which fuel moisture class is most influenced by hour-to-hour changes in relative humidity?

Answer: 1-hour fuels

1-hour fuels gain and lose moisture fastest, closely tracking short-term RH changes.