Mechaw Fire Shed Compartment 171 Declared Wildfire 2025

On February 26, 2025, the Francis Marion Ranger District’s Agency Administrator (AA) authorized the Mechaw Fire Shed Compartment 171 Prescribed Fire (C-171 RX). Weather parameters were within prescription, although the KBDI required a Forest Level Variance. Following a 1000 onsite briefing and test fire, resources began ignitions to include hand and aerial firing. By 1500, numerous spots had lofted across holding lines, and the Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2) contacted the AA saying, “we lost it.” The AA interpreted that phone call as a declaration and proceeded to inform the Forest Supervisor and others that the C-171 RX was declared a wildfire, becoming the Lincoln Wildfire.