Compartment 4 Escaped Prescribed Fire Review 2018

On February 11, as the prescribed fire was nearing completion, the helicopter overflew the southern fireline and several aerial ignition spheres were inadvertently dropped across the unit boundary into Compartment 4. Compartment 4 adjoins Interstate 75 on its southern boundary and was outside of the planned prescribed fire project area. The fire in Compartment 4 was attacked by holding resources. The aerial ignition helicopter (Type 3) was quickly reconfigured for bucket work and began dropping water. However, attempts to contain the fire were unsuccessful. 

The next day, the decision was made to conduct a prescribed burn in Compartment 4 which had an active prescription and which held the uncontained spots from the previous day's prescribed burn. A prescribed fire authorization was obtained from the Florida Forest Service. Crews were briefed and firing of Compartment 4 started. At 1200, after discussions with the Regional Office, it was decided that the fire should be converted to a wildfire. This was due to the higher complexity of the operations and a lack of appropriately qualified personnel to implement this operation. Burnouts on the wildfire continued throughout the day. The fire was held in Compartment 4 that night and into the next day. 

Escaped RX, Escaped Prescribed Fire