Foss Lake Escaped Prescribed Fire 2016

The test fire was ignited at 1140 on Thursday morning as planned. Based on the test fire results, the Burn Boss made the determination to continue with the ignition. Between 1220 and 1230, two small spot fires along the northern holding line were easily caught with the holding crew utilizing the hose lay. At 1250, firing was on hold due a spot fire about 100 yards north of the test fire area, located in the wilderness, that was detected by crew personnel patrolling in a canoe on the northeast corner of the burn. This spot fire was ¼ to ½ acre at the time of detection. Saw teams from the Hotshot Crew were sent to implement a saw line around the spot while other holding resources worked to get a hose lay into the spot.

Meanwhile, there were noticeable increases in wind speeds and subsequent fire behavior. At 1345, it was reported that fire crews were having a difficult time catching the spot fire. At 1407, the Burn Boss declared the prescribed burn a wildfire and began shutting down the prescribed burn portion to keep it at the smallest possible size. He indicated that the Zone Fire Management Officer would be the Incident Commander for the escaped fire portion and he would remain as the Burn Boss for the prescribed fire portion.

Prescribed Fire, Firing, Escaped Prescribed Fire