Dunes State Park Escaped RX 2006

The planned Trail 3 Prescribed Fire encompassed 26 acres in the northwest corner of Dunes State Park. Fuels consisted of dune grass, hardwood leaf litter and wetland grasses. Weather at the time of ignition was within prescription with winds South at 3­4, temperature in the mid 60s, sky cover 0­10% and Rh 34%. The National Weather Service did not expect the lake breeze to set up.

A spot fire quickly grew and began to spot ahead of itself. The rate of spread was very quick and other spot fires were observed 25 feet ahead of the fire.  At this time, it was determined that suppressing the fire was beyond the capabilities of the resources assigned to the prescribed fire.

The transition from the prescribed fire to the suppression action was very difficult and hard to organize due to several issues: 1. The rate of spread in the dune grass was very fast and spotting was occurring along the flanks and head fire. 2. Winds were 7­-8 mph, shifting from southwest to southeast and back again several times. Most of these wind shifts were directly related to changes in topography. 3. The immediate threat to a treatment plant. 4. Limited resources initially.

Prescribed Fire, Escaped Prescribed Fire