Fire Planning & Preparation Flashcards

Why are prescription parameters often written as ranges rather than single values?

Answer: To define the window of conditions that will meet objectives while staying controllable

Ranges bracket the conditions under which fire behavior is both effective and controllable.

Which ignition pattern generally produces the lowest-intensity fire for a given set of conditions?

Answer: Backing fire

Backing fire moves against the wind or downslope and produces the lowest intensity and slowest spread.

When should notifications to neighbors, local fire departments, and dispatch typically be made?

Answer: Before ignition, as specified in the burn plan's notification element

The burn plan lists required pre-burn notifications, completed before ignition and confirmed on the Go/No-Go checklist.

A burn plan's holding plan should identify all of the following EXCEPT:

Answer: The post-burn vegetation monitoring protocol

Vegetation monitoring belongs to the monitoring/evaluation element, not the holding plan.

Mixing height is best described as:

Answer: The height above ground to which relatively vigorous vertical mixing of smoke occurs

Mixing height is the depth of the atmospheric layer where smoke disperses through vertical mixing.

What should the burn boss do if pre-ignition crew and equipment don't meet the minimum organization listed in the burn plan?

Answer: Not ignite until the required organization is on site

Minimum organization is a Go/No-Go requirement; missing resources means no-go.

Why is a burn unit often prepared with a black line on the downwind side before the main ignition?

Answer: To create a widened burned buffer that holds against the higher-intensity main fire

Black lining widens the control line on the downwind edge where escape risk is greatest.