Southern Region Prescribed Fire Review 2012

This February, the Apalachicola National Forest in Florida experienced a prescribed fire escape more than two weeks after ignition. Fire within the burn unit had smoldered in organic soils and then flared up due to extended drought conditions coupled with strong winds and low relative humidity on the day of the escape. . In addition to the local review, the Southern Region took this opportunity to assign a Review Team to assess the current drought conditions as they relate to prescribed fire control difficulties. The Review Team documented local and regional measures being implemented by fire managers and Line Officers to mitigate elevated risk associated with drought conditions. In addition, the Review Team assessed other escapes and near misses and the degree to which the Southern Region has adopted a "learning culture" and "shared risk management" in the prescribed fire program.