West Arm Prescribed Burn Plan West Arm Provincial Park   Submitted by: B.A. Blackwell and Associates Ltd. 3087 Hoskins Road North Vancouver, BC V7J 3B5         DRAFT           Submitted to: Mike Gall, Mountain Conservation Specialist Ecosystem Section Parks and Protected Areas Ministry of Environment Cranbrook, BC Regional Office   November 2009

Prescribed Fire Burn Plan

 

	Year 1:	Year 2:	Year 3:
Reference Number:
Client Number:

 

Submitted By:                                                           FIRE COMPLEXITY RATING: 75

Company or Agency & Applicant Name	Date:
Mike Gall, Mountain Conservation Specialist Ecosystem Section Parks and Protected Areas Ministry of Environment Cranbrook, BC Regional Office	November 30, 2009
Signature:	Certification Level:

 

Reviewed By:

Name:	Date:
Signature:	Certification Level:

 

PRESCRIBED BURN PLAN ACCEPTED:

Designated Forest Official – Protection

Name:	Date:
Signature:	Certification Level:

 

EXTENSION ACCEPTED:

Year 2	Name:	Date:
	Signature:	Certification Level:
Year 3	Name:	Date:
	Signature:	Certification Level:

 

THIS BURN PLAN IS SUPPORTED BY A PRESCRIPTION WHICH

HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE LAND MANAGER

 

THIS BURN PLAN DOES NOT PROVIDE FOR APPROVAL UNDER THE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ACT, OPEN BURNING SMOKE CONTROL REGULATION

BURN PLAN CHECKLIST –

Complete (X) Or N/A	Page	Section and Title
		COVER SHEET
X		TABLE OF CONTENTS (this page)
X		A. PROJECT OVERVIEW
X		B. PRESCRIBED BURN OBJECTIVES
X		C. FUELS/STAND DESCRIPTION
X
X		D. VALUES AT RISK
X		E. PUBLIC RELATIONS AND INFORMATION STRATEGY
X		F. PRESCRIBED BURN OPERATIONS
X		G. PRESCRIBED BURN BUDGET ESTIMATES
		H. MONITORING AND DOCUMENTATION
		Attached Schedules
X		1. STAND/FUELS DESCRIPTION MAP
X		2. PRESCRIBED FIRE COMPLEXITY WORKSHEET AND RATING GUIDE
X		3. ORGANIZATION CHART
X		4. ON SITE COMMUNICATIONS PLAN
X		5. MEDICAL OPERATIONS PLAN
X		6. SAFE WORK PROCEDURES
X		7. INFORMATION PLAN – NOTIFICATION CHECKLIST
X		8. INFORMATION PLAN – PUBLIC NOTICE
N/A		INFORMATION PLAN – PUBLIC NOTICE – RADIO STATION
X		9. TRAFFIC PLAN
N/A		10. SECURITY PLAN
X		11. PRESCRIBED FIRE “GO-NO-GO” CHECKLIST
X		12. BURN PLAN MAPS

 

 

 

 

Acknowledgements

Many thanks to Mike Gall of BC Parks and to Doug Harrison of Apex Forest and Wildfire Services who were invaluable in providing their extensive experience, advice, support and data so freely. Thanks to Rob Scagel for pulling out and analysing weather data from sources unbeknownst to most of us.

Table of Contents

1.0          Introduction... 1

2.0          Prescribed Burn Objectives. 1

2.1          Overview of General Prescribed Burn Objectives. 1

2.1.1       Burn Treatment Unit 1 (TU1) 1

2.1.2       Burn Treatment Unit 2 (TU2) 1

3.0          Treatment Area Description... 1

3.1          Geographic Location.. 1

3.2          Specific Project Area Information.. 1

3.2.1       Detailed Burn Treatment Unit descriptions. 1

3.2.2       Site Soil Sensitivity Ratings. 1

3.3          Weather. 1

3.4          Values at Risk. 1

4.0          Fire Prescription... 1

4.1          Prescription Methodology. 1

4.2          Burn Schedule. 1

4.3          Fire Behaviour and Desired Effects. 1

4.4          Fire Weather Indices and Fuel Moisture Conditions. 1

5.0          MONITORING PROCEDURES. 1

5.1          Fire weather monitoring. 1

5.2          Fire Behaviour Monitoring. 1

5.3          Post Burn Monitoring. 1

6.0          Site Preparation... 1

6.1          Pre-Burn Preparations. 1

6.1.1       Fire Guard Preparation.. 1

6.1.2       Hose Lays. 1

6.1.3       Establishment of staging area. 1

7.0          Burning Operations. 1

7.1          Ignition and Control Plan.. 1

7.1.1       Test Burn Considerations. 1

8.0          Holding Plan... 1

8.1          Escape Fire Contingency Plan.. 1

8.2          Contacts. 1

8.3          Resources. 1

9.0          On Site Communications. 1

10.0        Safety Plan... 1

10.1        Briefing. 1

10.2        Escape Routes. 1

10.3        Safety Zones. 1

10.4        Emergency Response. 1

10.5        Personal Protective Equipment (P.P.E.) 1

10.6        Medivac Plan.. 1

11.0        Smoke Management Plan... 1

12.0        Public Relations and Information... 1

12.1        Media and Public Information.. 1

12.1.1     Phase I – Preburn Communications. 1

12.1.2     Phase II – Preparation (minimum two weeks prior to ignition) 1

12.1.3     Phase III – Preparation (minimum one week prior to ignition) 1

12.1.4     Phase IV – Post Burn.. 1

13.0        Traffic Plan... 1

14.0        Prescribed Burn Budget Estimates. 1

15.0        References. 1

16.0        Attached Schedules. 1

16.1        SCHEDULE 1: Stands/Fuels Description Map.. 1

16.2        SCHEDULE 2: Prescribed Fire Complexity Worksheet & Rating Guide. 1

16.3        SCHEDULE 3: Organization Chart 1

16.4        SCHEDULE 11: Prescribed Fire “go-no-go” Checklist 1

16.5        SCHEDULE 12: Full Page Burn Plan Maps. 1

17.0        Appendix I: FPB97 outputs for burn unit.. 1

 

List of Maps

Map 1. Prescribe burn treatment units. 1

Map 2. Location of prescribed burn area within West Arm Provincial Park. 1

Map 3. Biogeoclimatic subzones and site series of the West Arm prescribed burn unit. 1

Map 4. Values at Risk both within the Park Boundaries and adjacent to the Park. 1

Map 5. Locations showing burn boundary, perimeter guard, sprinkler line and hose lays. 1

Map 6. Staging area map. 1

Map 7. Location of blackline along the perimeter guard and around TU2. 1

Map 8. Proposed ignition sequence map. 1

Map 9. Public Safety Map. 1

 

List of Figures

Figure 1. Photograph of fuel present in fuel Treatment Unit B. 1

Figure 2. Photograph of fuel present in fuel Treatment Unit D. 1

Figure 3: Photograph of fuel present in fuel Treatment Unit E. 1

Figure 4. Photograph of fuel present in fuel Treatment Unit C.. 1

Figure 5. Graphic showing the monthly probability of BUI between 25 and 40. 1

Figure 6. Surface fuel consumption (SFC) for a modified C3 fuel type at varying BUI for fine and coarse fuels (FFL and WFL). 1

Figure 7. Relationship between ISI and Crown Fraction Burn for a modified C3 fuel type with varying BUI. (FFL = fine fuels, WFL = coarse fuels). Note that no crowning is expected below an ISI of approximately 9. 1

Figure 8 Relationship between total fuel consumption and ISI for a modified C3 fuel type with varying BUI between 20 and 50. (FFL = fine fuels, WFL = coarse fuels). Note that fuel consumption increases dramatically when ISI is above 10 for all measures of BUI. 1

 

 

List of Tables

Table 1: General fuel/stand descriptions of the Fuel Treatment Units. 1

Table 2. Sensitivity Class Assessment Table for TU1. 1

Table 3: Sensitivity Class Assessment Table for Burn Treatment Unit 2. 1

Table 4. Desired weather ranges and fire weather parameters. 1

Table 5. Minimum, Maximum, and Average weather parameters for fall and spring burn prescription planning in the ICHdw and the ICHmw2. 1

Table 6. Prescribed burn budget estimates. 1

 

1.0                           Introduction

In 2008, West Arm Provincial Park Interface Fuel Management Plan (Blackwell et al., 2008) identified a fuel break treatment area along Svoboda road. The treatment included fuel reduction and prescribed fire treatments. Fuel types, predicted fire behaviour, interface density adjacent to West Arm Provincial Park, topography, logistical constraints and additional fuel breaks (external to the Park) were all considered in the selection of this treatment area.

The Svaboda Road fuel break area was selected to help protect the community watershed from fires initiating in the wildland-urban interface and to provide a safe anchor point from which to base suppression efforts in the event of a large wildfire event in the east or southeast of the City of Nelson. In addition to these objectives, it was a priority for the treatments to have a minimal impact on Park values. Mechanical fuel reduction treatments were carried out in the winter of 2007/08 and 2008/09. A plan for a prescribed fire is now required to further reduce surface fuels created during the fuel treatments, and to reintroduce fire into this area of the park. Prescribed fire within the treatment area is not considered a significant threat to human safety, park developments, or adjacent land jurisdictions.

A prescribed fire in the treatment area would provide a number of benefits to the Park and Nelson’s community including:

·         Reduced surface fuel loads, resulting in a further reduction of wildfire risk to the watershed and wildland urban interface.

·         Maintenance and restoration of natural disturbance regimes.

·         Creation of a mix of early and later seral types increasing biodiversity potential.

·         The enhancement of natural barriers that reduce the horizontal continuity of fuel loads.

·         The reduction in area of lodgepole pine forests susceptible to MPB attack.

 

2.0                           Prescribed Burn Objectives

2.1                             Overview of General Prescribed Burn Objectives

BC Parks has identified ecosystem based management as the approach best suited to managing protected areas under its stewardship. Managing the ecosystems and maintaining ecological processes that influence these systems are part of the principles that guide BC Parks’ commitment to conservation. By understanding the processes and disturbances that shape ecosystems, fuel break treatments and objectives can be designed to help mimic natural process and disturbance. Fuel treatments, particularly in areas where natural disturbance has been actively excluded by humans, can be used to promote more natural structure and reintroduce disturbance into ecosystems in a controlled manner. Prescribed fire in the proposed area will provide a strategic break in fuel continuity that will enhance the ability of park managers to protect both human and ecological values at risk within and adjacent to West Arm Provincial Park. Additionally, prescribed fire will promote development of young seral vegetation thereby improving landscape level biodiversity and the abundance of wildlife habitat in the Park.

The primary objective of the prescribed burn is to:

1.      Remove treatment related fine surface fuels to improve fuel break effectiveness within West Arm Park and thus further improve the ability of fire suppression resources to reduce wildfire risk in the Nelson City watershed and wildland urban interface.

Secondary objectives of the prescribed burn are to:

2.      Maintain and restore natural disturbance regimes.

3.      Promote healthy regeneration of fire dependent species such as Douglas-fir, western larch and lodgepole pine.

4.      Increase the area of young seral vegetation to improve landscape biodiversity and available wildlife habitat.

As noted, the primary objective of this prescribed burn is to enhance the mechanical fuel treatments by further reducing fine surface fuels and to improve the effectiveness of the fuel break. Burn Treatment Unit 1 (TU1) combines three of the original mechanical treatment units where existing slash piles will burned during winter 2009/2010, followed by a broadcast burn (Map 1). Burn Treatment Unit 2 (TU2) is composed of untreated, standing dead lodgepole pine that will be burned following the broadcast burning of TU1 (Map 1). The purpose of burning the standing dead lodgepole pine is to reduce surface fuels and to create an area that better simulates the post-fire ecological conditions of a wildfire.

Map 1. Prescribe burn treatment units

2.1.1                       Burn Treatment Unit 1 (TU1)

All beetle-killed pine trees in this unit were removed during the mechanical fuel treatments. Post-treatment, the unit contains dispersed retention of redcedar, Doulgas-fir, western larch and deciduous trees. The stand density varies across the unit from 0 -120 stems per hectare (sph). Surface fuel loading varies from 1.3 to 7 kg/m². The objective of prescribing a slash pile and burn followed by a broadcast burn in this unit is to reduce surface fuels, while minimizing damage to retained overstory trees. Additionally, the burn will create a good seedbed for Douglas-fir and western larch regeneration and promote suckering of deciduous species. It is expected that a substantial proportion of the redcedar retention will not survive the fire given its low fire tolerance.

2.1.2                       Burn Treatment Unit 2 (TU2)

No tree removal activities were conducted in TU2 during the mechanical fuel treatment phase of the project. This treatment unit consists of a single cohort of lodgepole pine with heavy MPB mortality. The stand is comprised of 650-1075 sph of 100 year old lodgepole pine with a scattered understory component of suppressed redcedar and hemlock, and several Douglas-fir and larch per hectare. Mountain pine beetle related mortality varies between 30-75% and there are moderate surface fuel accumulations of 1.3-6.7 kg/m². The objective of a burn in this treatment unit is to reduce surface fuels and create conditions that are favorable for regeneration and the restoration of the site.

3.0                           Treatment Area Description

Location:

Geographic Location	Southeastern British Columbia	Lat/Long
Base Map/Opening		Forest Region	Southern Interior
Fire Centre	Southeast	District	Kootenay Lake
Zone	Kootenay Lake Zone	TSA	N/A

 

Legal:

Land Status	Provincial Park	Tenure/License	N/A
Licensee/Owner	Ministry of Environment	Phone No. (24hr)
Land Description		Plan Number

 

Information:

Burning Supervisor		Phone No. (24hr)
Size		Photo Line Number

 

3.1                             Geographic Location

The prescribed burn will occur in a 51.3 ha treatment area in the northwest corner of West Arm Provincial Park (Map 2). The Park consists of 25,319 ha of undeveloped land which extends from Nelson to Harrop along southern edge of Kootenay Lake.

Map 2. Location of prescribed burn area within West Arm Provincial Park.

3.2                             Specific Project Area Information

The 51.3 ha treatment area begins shortly after Svoboda Road enters the Park and continues for 1.5 km on either side of the road. The treatment boundary extends for another 500 m along the slope break south of the road. Topographically, the burn area is fairly uniform; slopes vary from flat to 35% with aspects mostly being westerly to north westerly. Elevations in the burn unit range from 1000 to 1140 m.

The Burn Treatment Units are comprised of four treatment areas identified under the West Arm Provincial Park Interface Fuel Management Plan (Blackwell et al., 2008). Treatment units B, D and E comprise burn TU1 and underwent mechanical tree removal, with variable retention, and slash piling. Treatment unit C comprises burn TU2 and has had no mechanical treatment. Table 1 summarizes the fuel and stand characteristics of each of these pre-existing fuel treatment units within the two proposed Burn Treatment Units.

Within the burn area, the ICHdw is common on the lower slopes and the ICHmw4 comes in shortly after the slope break at around 1100m. Map 3 shows the distribution of BEC subzones and site series identified in the burn area.

Table 1: General fuel/stand descriptions of the Fuel Treatment Units

 

Map 3. Biogeoclimatic subzones and site series of the West Arm prescribed burn unit.

 

3.2.1                       Detailed Burn Treatment Unit descriptions

3.2.1.1                 Burn Treatment Unit 1 (TU1)

TU1 totals 42.9 ha and encompasses mechanical fuel treatment units B, D, and E.

Mechanical fuel treatment unit B is located in the ICHdw, and the dominant site series is 03(SMR 1-2, SNR B). Slopes are 20-35% and the aspect is 260°. The humus form is a mor, which was 3-5 cm thick prior to mechanical fuel treatment, though this has been reduced in some areas due to tree removal. The soil texture is coarse loamy sand. The current overstory is primarily composed of scattered, 10-15 m tall redcedar and hemlock, with a few 15-30 m tall birch and aspen. The stand density is variable across the unit ranging from 0-120 sph with an average of 71 sph.

Surface fuel loading in mechanical fuel treatment unit B is composed primarily of lodgepole pine slash (Figure 1). Surface loading of woody pieces < 7cm in diameter ranges from 1.7-2.5 kg/m² and fuel loading of woody pieces >7cm in diameter ranges from 1.0-1.9 kg/m². Duff depth ranges from <1 to 4 cm, and litter ranges from <1 to 6 cm.

 

Figure 1. Photograph of fuel present in fuel Treatment Unit B.

Mechanical fuel treatment Unit D is located in the ICHmw4; as no data exist for this variant the site series data for the ICHmw2 has been used. The dominant site series is 01 (SMR 3-4, SNR C). The forest floor is a moder, and the soil texture is loamy sand. Slopes are less than 15%.

Within Unit D (Figure 2) the surface fuel loading is composed primarily of lodgepole pine slash. Fuel loading of woody pieces < 7cm in diameter ranges from 0.6-1.0 kg/m² and fuel loading of woody pieces >7cm in diameter ranges from 0.7-1.4 kg/m². Unit D was planted 2 years ago and is a shrub herb community with 250-2600 sph of pine seedlings. There are no overstory trees in this unit. Litter and duff range from <1 to 3 cm thick.

Figure 2. Photograph of fuel present in fuel Treatment Unit D.

 

Mechanical fuel treatment Unit E is located in the ICHmw4; as no data exist for this variant, the site series data for the ICHmw2 has been used. The dominant site series is 01 (SMR 3-4, SNR C) and in areas where depth to bedrock is less than 60cm site series 03 occurs (SMR 1-2, SNR B). The humus form is a mor which is 5cm in thickness. Soil texture is loamy sand.

In treatment Unit E (Figure 3) surface fuel loading is composed primarily of lodgepole pine slash. Fuel loading of woody pieces < 7cm in diameter ranges from 1.0-2.6 kg/m² and fuel loading of woody pieces >7cm in diameter ranges from 0.4-4.3 kg/m². Overstory density ranges from 10-15 sph of large aspen, Douglas-fir and western larch and some smaller western redcedar and hemlock.

Figure 3: Photograph of fuel present in fuel Treatment Unit E.

 

3.2.1.2                 Burn Treatment Unit 2 (TU2)

TU2 is a total of 8.4 ha and consists of fuel treatment Unit C, which is located in the ICHdw. The site series is 02 (SMR 1, SNR B). Slopes are 10-35% and the aspect is 270°. The humus form is a mor which is 3-5 cm thick. The soil texture is coarse loamy sand. Much of this area is shallow to bedrock with common rocky outcrops.

In fuel treatment Unit C (Figure 4) surface fuel loading of woody pieces < 7cm in diameter ranges from 1.0-1.6 kg/m² and fuel loading of woody pieces >7cm in diameter ranges from 0.4-5.0 kg/m². The stand is composed of lodgepole pine at densities ranging from 650 – 1075 sph and stem mortality ranges from 30-75%. Tree heights range from 8-20 m, live crowns are generally above 8 m high and crown closure is 55% on average. Duff and litter range from 1 -5cm in depth, though rocky outcroppings throughout this area account for areas of little to no duff. There are very few ladder fuels in this stand.

Figure 4. Photograph of fuel present in fuel Treatment Unit C

 

3.2.2                       Site Soil Sensitivity Ratings

3.2.2.1                 Burn Treatment Unit 1 (TU1)

TU1 was classified as having a medium to high soil sensitivity rating. This rating is based on the site factors indicated in Table 2. The tables used to arrive at these values are derived from ‘A guide to prescribed broadcast burning in the Vancouver Forest Region’ (BC. Min. For., 1985). The coarse soils and shallow duff in this unit contribute to a higher sensitivity rating while the relatively gentle slopes and low mass wasting hazard reduce the rating. Low severity burning, which preserves the majority of the forest floor is recommended in areas with medium to high sensitivity ratings as high severity burns could lower long term site productivity on such sites. Less than 1/4 of the forest floor should be reduced by a burn in TU1.

Table 2. Sensitivity Class Assessment Table for TU1.

Site Factors	Sensitivity Classes
	Very High	High	Medium	Low
Forest Floor/Ah depth (cm)	LFH≤4, Ah=0	LFH >4 ≤6, Ah=0	LFH >6 ≤20, Ah<10	LFH >20, or Ah>0
Dominant soil matrix (top 30cm)	Very Coarse	Coarse	Medium -fine	Not coarse, or Ah >10
Effective Soil Depth (cm)	<15	15-30	30-60	>60
Actual soil moisture regime	Very dry	Very dry-fresh	Slightly dry-moist	Fresh-wet
Nutrient Regime	Very poor	Very poor	Poor-medium	Medium-very rich
Seepage, high water table, subject to flooding	no	no	no	Yes
Slope (%)	>60	>60	<60	<30
Mass wasting hazard	Very High	High	Moderate	Low-Moderate
Forest floor displacement hazard	Very High	High	Moderate	Low
Surface erosion hazard	Very High	High	Moderate-High	Low

 

 

3.2.2.2                 Burn Treatment Unit 2 (TU2)

TU2 was classified as having a high soil sensitivity rating. This rating is based on the site factors indicated in Table 3. The coarse soils and shallow duff in this unit contribute to a higher sensitivity rating while the relatively gentle slopes and low mass wasting hazard reduce the rating. Low severity burning, which preserves the majority of the forest floor is recommended in areas with high sensitivity ratings as high severity burns could lower long term site productivity on such sites. Less than 1/5 of the forest floor should be reduced by a burn in TU2.

Table 3: Sensitivity Class Assessment Table for Burn Treatment Unit 2.

 

Site Factors	Sensitivity Classes
	Very High	High	Medium	Low
Forest Floor/Ah depth (cm)	LFH≤4, Ah=0	LFH >4 ≤6, Ah=0	LFH >6 ≤20, Ah<10	LFH >20, or Ah>0
Dominant soil matrix (top 30cm)	Very Coarse	Coarse	Medium -fine	Not coarse, or Ah >10
Effective Soil Depth (cm)	<15	15-30	30-60	>60
Actual soil moisture regime	Very dry	Very dry-fresh	Slightly dry-moist	Fresh-wet
Nutrient Regime	Very poor	Very poor	Poor-medium	Medium-very rich
Seepage, high water table, subject to flooding	no	no	no	Yes
Slope (%)	>60	>60	<60	<30
Mass wasting hazard	Very High	High	Moderate	Low-Moderate
Forest floor displacement hazard	Very High	High	Moderate	Low
Surface erosion hazard	Very High	High	Moderate-High	Low

3.3                             Weather

At least one weather station should be established within close proximity of the prescribed burn unit to aid in determining the precise burn window when burn indices will be met. The purpose of the onsite weather station is to obtain a more site-specific weather picture, primarily for wind information and mid-slope fire weather data collection. Windspeed/direction and slope/aspect are primary components determining ignition patterns.

For West Arm Provincial Park, and specifically the ICHdw and ICHdw2, weather data will be obtained from the closest stations including Nelson in combination with an onsite station. The Nelson station is the closest permanent weather station with a lengthy weather history in proximity to the prescribed burn unit (located approximately 15 km north-west of the site).

3.4                             Values at Risk

Map 4 highlights the values at risk within or adjacent to the burn unit. Three mountain bike trails cross through the burn unit. These trails will be minimally impacted by the prescribed fire. Following burn operations, trails will be rehabilitated to their current standard if necessary.

Within the park boundaries and adjacent to the burn unit is the City of Nelson’s watershed intake and pump house (Map 4). Running from the pump hose and along the road that traverses the prescribe burn treatment area is a pipeline that is critical to the supply of water to the City of Nelson. The pump house and the pipeline are considered critical infrastructure and require a high level of protection from any negative impacts from prescribe burn operations. It is anticipated that work will be conducted by the City during the Winter of 2010 to FireSmart this location minimizing the risk to the intake structure and the delivery of water to the City.

Outside of the park boundary and to the west and slightly north of the burn areas are several homes. These homes are accessed via Svoboda Road – the main access road into the Park. Careful consideration must be given to the protection of these homes and potential impacts from smoke created by the prescribed burn. Further down the slope and along Kootenay Lake are a number of homes that are considered values at risk. While these homes are not in close proximity to the burn units it is important that they be aware of plans and any emergency plans that are put in place. Burn operations notification, evacuation plans, and a contingency plan to protect these homes are considered key preplanning requirements. The communications plan and contingency plan (described later in this document) should be coordinated through the Wildfire Protection Branch with resources available on standby and, in the event of an emergency, structure protection equipment and personnel available to support any required fire suppression actions in the event of an escape.

 

Map 4. Values at Risk both within the Park Boundaries and adjacent to the Park.

 

4.0                           Fire Prescription

4.1                             Prescription Methodology

The prescription for this unit was designed using the Canadian Forest Fire Behaviour Prediction System (CFBPS) and run using FPB97 software developed by the Canadian Forest Service. The range of acceptable fire weather parameters were derived with the following criteria in mind:

·         Provide an acceptable range of fire behaviour conditions to meet the objectives for the burn.

·         Provide adequate holding capability.

·         Minimize the risk of spot fires.

·         Provide the utmost in firefighter safety.

·         Realistically achieve the weather conditions required.

This range of parameters is designed as a series of checks that will provide appropriate fire behaviour. It will be the responsibility of the Burn Boss to ensure that the unit remains within this prescription.

The fuels within TU 1 are classified as S1 within the CFBPS. In the CFBPS, S1 is described as follows:

“This fuel type is characterized by slash resulting from mechanical removal of lodgepole pine stands. The slash is typically one or two seasons old, retaining up to 50% of the foliage, particularly on branches closest to the ground. No post-treatment logging treatment has been applied and slash fuels are continuous. Tops and branches left on site result in moderate fuel loads and depths. Ground cover is continuous with discontinuous fallen needle litter. Organic layers are moderately deep and fairly compact.”[1]

The fuels within TU2 are classified as a modified C3, which has a surface fuel load similar to an S1 slash fuel type but also has an overstory component. They are described as modified because of mortality associated with MPB attack. These fuels can be described as follows:

This fuel type is characterized by pure, fully stocked (100-200 sph) lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta [Dougl.]) stands that have matured to a stage of complete crown closure. The base of the live crown is well above the ground. Unlike the benchmark C3 fuel type, the surface fuels in West Arm Park are considered moderate within this fuel type with scattered beetle attacked boles lying on the ground and, in some cases, suspended above the ground. Ground cover is a combination of mosses and grass over shallow folisol over bedrock (approximately 5-10 cm thick). Because of the mortality in the overstory it was felt that incorporating the slash S1 fuel type would better simulate the down fuels and the dead overstory.

The prescription for this prescribed burn was developed using CFBPS fuel types with some modifications that better describe current conditions. Chosen parameters provide an acceptable range of fire behaviour conditions designed to meet stated objectives. Dependant on the stage of MPB attack, needles of conifers have for the most part fallen to the forest floor. Surface fuel loadings were used as the principal modifier to alter the standard C3 (lodgepole pine) fuel type modeled by the CFBPS system. Test burns and close monitoring of weather and fuel parameters will confirm when desired fire behaviour conditions are adequate to fulfill burn objectives.

4.2                             Burn Schedule

Preferred year for prescribed burn completion is 2010. Plan prescriptions are acceptable for either a Fall or Spring burn schedule, provided weather and fuel conditions are favourable. The preferred operational timing of burn activities is during the Spring, as weather analysis indicates that this will limit the potential for an escape. However, this carries a risk of hangover fires and a Spring burn will require a series of post-burn infrared scans to ensure that no hot spots remain following treatment.

Acceptable season

Spring: April 1 - May 15th

Fall: Aug 15 - Oct 31st

 

Acceptable time of day

Test burn: 1100 to 2000 hrs Main burn: 1200 to 2000 hrs

 

Acceptable day of the week Test burn: Any day

Main burn: Ignition and major burning to avoid long weekend periods

 

Guard Preparation

Spring 2010

4.3                             Fire Behaviour and Desired Effects

Fire behaviour is a function of the fire environment, which includes fuel, weather and topography. All three factors vary significantly throughout the burn unit. Two general fuel types have been defined based primarily on stand age, crown closure and species composition. Wind conditions will vary throughout the day based on daily thermal heating and cooling during the night resulting in diurnal cycles in fire behaviour. Topography and slope are variable and will have a significant influence on fire behaviour as it moves across the landscape.

To ensure desired fire behaviour, test burns will be conducted prior to ignition of the main burn units. A fire guard will be constructed around the perimeter of the burn unit and portions of this perimeter will be blacklined (a condition where no combustible fuels remain between the fire guard and the main fire) to increase the efficacy of the guard and prevent spotting into the forested edge of the unit. The most vulnerable edge of the perimeter along the upper slope of the unit will be wetted down by a sprinkler line that is activated 24 hours prior to ignition. The upper perimeter along the top of TU1 poses a moderate risk of escape with low to moderate control difficulty depending on weather and fuel conditions during the burn. Containment and risk of escape along this upper perimeter are primarily a function of proximity of the forested edge to the burn unit.

In order to achieve the desired fire intensity and rate of spread, the burning will likely need be conducted over a two day period. In order to reduce the risk of spotting and maintain holding capability, the perimeter of TU1 above the road will be burned first (blacklined), further blacklining will occur along the perimeter of TU2 to limit the potential for the fire to move into the standing dead unit before TU1 has been completely burned. Once black lining operations have been completed sequenced strip ignition will be used. Given the risk of spotting and the potential for more severe fire behaviour, the standing fuels in TU2 will be burned following completion of TU1.

To attain the desired fire effects, a low severity surface fire is required in both TU1 and TU2. It is anticipated that these conditions should be attained without problems given the topographic and fuel characteristics. In TU2, expect higher fire behaviour potential given the condition of standing dead lodgepole pine fuels and slightly higher surface fuel loads. Crown fraction burned is anticipated to be low in this unit given the low foliar bulk density but there is the potential for isolated crowning and torching within the unit, especially in those areas with moderate to high surface fuel loads. Detailed analysis of FBP predictions were completed for a range of conditions to determine the most appropriate fire weather parameters and associated Fire Weather Indices (Appendix 1).

During the fire, a designate of the Burn Boss will be responsible for carrying out fire behaviour monitoring. This will consist of hourly fire weather readings supplemented by appropriate spot readings of fire weather and frequent descriptions of observed fire behaviour parameters. Using the fire weather indices at the time of ignition and fire behaviour observations, an accurate history of the fire event should be constructed for a post-fire review. Video recording will be used to supplement fire behaviour monitoring and to document the events of the fire.

Burning of MPB affected timber has yet to be fully documented and quantified within the Canadian Forest Fire Danger Rating System (CFFDRS). Burning of this unit will give fire personnel a chance to observe and collect valuable information regarding the fire behaviour and ember spotting potential of this new fuel type that has become prevalent throughout British Columbia. Photo and fuel plot information as well as observed fire behaviour during and post burn will be collected. Fire spread rates and fire intensity will be evaluated during timed intervals throughout the burning process.

4.4                             Fire Weather Indices and Fuel Moisture Conditions

The FBP system calculates rates of spread, head fire intensity, and probability of ignition based on specified topographical, fuels and weather inputs. The single most important weather parameter that will determine the success of the prescription is the Fine Fuel Moisture Code (FFMC) combined with the Buildup Index (BUI).

A Buildup Index (BUI) between 25 and 40 is desired to achieve burn objectives. To achieve this range of BUI, several runs in FBP97 were used to establish weather conditions that would meet the targeted BUI indices and acceptable parameters of fire behaviour. The results are summarized in this section and complete results are presented in Appendix 1.

Given that the majority of the burn area is dominated by low to moderate surface fuel loadings, a low wind speed is all that will be required to successfully spread the fire through the burn units. Rate of spread (ROS) is calculated using the FFMC adjusted for time of day, wind, and slope. Fire intensity is a function of the ROS and the BUI. Using a range of fire weather indices, a range of acceptable wind speeds can be determined for a given fuel type, slope, and aspect configuration. Based on calculations made in FBP97, wind speeds of 5 to 7 km/h are required to achieve the 60 to 80% surface fuel outlined in the desired fire effects section. Desired weather ranges and fire weather parameters are presented in Table 4. The decision to burn is not limited to these weather ranges providing that the objectives of the burn can be met using the CFBPS on the day of the burn. The desired synoptic conditions include a stable high-pressure system lasting between 4 to 6 days. These weather conditions are likely to result in stable and predictable wind conditions. Synoptic weather conditions will ultimately determine whether the burn can proceed.

Unfortunately no weather stations currently exist in immediate proximity to the burn unit. The closest weather station is located within the City of Nelson and there are limitations to using this lower elevation station data. Historical weather data from this station were analyzed to determine the likelihood of achieving the desired weather conditions outlined in Table 4. A weather station will be established near the burn site starting when snow leaves the site sometime in late March or early April. Samples of LFH, duff in 2 cm intervals to mineral soil, foliage, and fine fuels < 1 cm in diameter will be collected in late March to early April to establish fuel moisture contents.

Table 4. Desired weather ranges and fire weather parameters.

Temperature (oC)		Relative Humidity (%)		Wind Speed (Km/h)
16-20		50-60		5-7
	FFMC		DMC		DC
Optimum Range	91-94		20-25		100-120
Acceptable Range	89-95		15-30		100-150

FFMC is derived from precipitation, temperature, relative humidity and wind speed. The weather ranges and fire weather parameters outlined in Table 4 are within the range of historic regional weather records for the ICHdw and the ICHmw2 shown in Table 5. The parameters documented here should be considered for comparison of FBP predictions but do not comprise the full range of conditions under which ignition can and will occur.

Table 5. Minimum, Maximum, and Average weather parameters for fall and spring burn prescription planning in the ICHdw and the ICHmw2

 

Figure 5 shows the monthly probability of the desired BUI occurring. The analysis concluded that the desired weather conditions and resulting fire weather indices are most likely to occur during the period from mid April to mid May.

Figure 5. Graphic showing the monthly probability of BUI between 25 and 40.

Spring ignition will require a period of stable high pressure with relatively consistent wind direction and velocity. Based on historic weather, scheduling the burn between mid April and early May provides a higher likelihood of a fire-ending precipitation event occurring in late May. While a Fall burn reduces the likelihood of a hangover fire event, fire behaviour could be higher and increase the chance of an escape. Weather analysis suggests that the Fall burning window is more limited because of high drought codes and BUI; however this does not preclude attempting to burn during the Fall if suitable indices occur.

To best achieve the burn objectives, uniform fuel moisture conditions will be required. These fuel moisture conditions will likely be met in early Spring between the middle of April and the first two weeks of May before green-up of deciduous and understory species.

This prescription should meet the desired objective of 60 to 80% surface fuel consumption of fuels < 12 cm, throughout the burn area.

As discussed previously there are two burn units; TU 1 is a slash type and TU2 is a dead lodgepole pine overstory with load to moderate surface fuels on the ground. Given that the standing dead lodgepole pines have no foliage, the stand is not expected to carry a crown fire under the prescribed indices. The expected fire behaviour in this fuel type will be a surface fire that is carried through the stand by grass and downed lodgepole pine. The standing dead boles are not expected to carry the fire. Therefore this fuel type has been modeled as a modified C3. The TU1 S1 fuel type was modeled in FBP97 and the full results are provided in Appendix 1.  The modified C3 type designed to represent TU2 was modelled external to FBP97 using CFBPS fire behaviour calculation methods and the results are presented below. Figure 6 graphs the surface fuel consumption in the modified C3 under different BUI scenarios. As expected, surface fuel consumption increases with BUI. A BUI of 25 to 40 is prescribed for this burn.

 

Figure 6. Surface fuel consumption (SFC) for a modified C3 fuel type at varying BUI for fine and coarse fuels (FFL and WFL).

 

Figure 7 and Figure 8 demonstrate the relationship between crown fraction burned and total fuel consumption respectively under varying BUI and Initial Spread Index (ISI) values. The graphs indicate that an ISI of 9 is a critical point at which both crown fraction burned and total fuel consumption increase dramatically under any BUI scenario. Unlike the S1 type in TU1, some crowning or overstory consumption may occur in TU2 if the ISI reaches 10 or higher.

Figure 7. Relationship between ISI and Crown Fraction Burn for a modified C3 fuel type with varying BUI. (FFL = fine fuels, WFL = coarse fuels). Note that no crowning is expected below an ISI of approximately 9.

Figure 8 Relationship between total fuel consumption and ISI for a modified C3 fuel type with varying BUI between 20 and 50. (FFL = fine fuels, WFL = coarse fuels). Note that fuel consumption increases dramatically when ISI is above 10 for all measures of BUI.

5.0                           MONITORING PROCEDURES

5.1                             Fire weather monitoring

Local fire weather monitoring will be determined using a combination of the Nelson weather station and the onsite weather station. The onsite weather station will be established following snow melt, well in advance of any burning opportunities and will collect weather data on a daily basis. In the event of a Spring burn, Drought Code (DC) and Duff Moisture Code (DMC) will be evaluated by collecting duff layers and comparing the weights of wet and oven dried samples. This will allow fire managers to ‘ground-truth’ the Fire Weather Index system values to ensure site-specific accuracy. Sampling will be conducted at various locations in the unit to establish moisture differential at various slope and aspect combinations.

5.2                             Fire Behaviour Monitoring

A Fire Behaviour Specialist will be responsible for collecting fire behaviour information during the burn. A contractor may be hired to supplement quantification and provide adherence to protocols. Monitoring during key stages of the burn unit will consist of hourly fire weather readings supplemented by appropriate spot collection of fire weather and associated fire behaviour observations at intervals. Video recordings will be collected to aid in ‘truthing’ of the prescription and in the evaluation of fire behaviour elements such as rate of spread, critical fire intensity, time to crown-fire initiation, and total fire intensity in MPB affected timber. All digital imagery equipment will have time and date stamp verification during daily operational briefing to ensure accuracy and reliability of documentation.

 

5.3                             Post Burn Monitoring

Measurement of the burn to determine how effectively goals were met will be determined through pre- and post-fire measurements of monitoring plots. Three permanent plots were established in each fuel treatment area prior to the burn. Pre-burn measurements were done in these plots in October of 2009. Data collected included overstory and understory tree inventory, understory vegetation and soil measurements, and surface fuel loading data. These pre-burn measurements would be used as a point of comparison with post-burn measurements to assess fuel consumption, tree mortality, post-burn regeneration and depth of burn.

6.0                           Site Preparation

6.1                             Pre-Burn Preparations

Site preparation involves a number of key tasks that include:

·         Fire guard and sprinkler line preparation.

·         Layout of hose lays.

·         Establishment of the staging area.

·         Trail and area closure.

6.1.1                       Fire Guard Preparation

The perimeter of the entire burn unit requires a hand guard be constructed prior to any burning within the two treatment units (Map 5). All sapling trees, brush and slash along the hand guard line will be felled and all additional fuels down to mineral soil will be removed and placed inside the burn unit. To minimize the risk of escape along the guard and to limit the potential for spotting, a 3 metre guard free of vegetation and slash and a 1 meter area down to mineral soil is required.

A sprinkler line will be established 3 days prior to ignition to wet down the upper boundary of the guard area (Map 5). This line will be charged with water and wetting down the burn boundary 24 hours prior to burning and will run during the entire duration of burning operations. This portion of TU1 is considered a potentially difficult area of containment and a potential risk of fire escape. The sprinkler line will significantly improve containment and limit the probability of escape.

Map 5. Locations showing burn boundary, perimeter guard, sprinkler line and hose lays.

6.1.2                       Hose Lays

Two hose lays will be established prior to the initiation of burning operations. One that runs along the western flank of the burn boundary down to the bottom of the unit (Map 5) and an additional hose lay that runs from a landing in both directions to the top and bottom of the burn unit along the eastern flank. These hose lays will run along the burn perimeter guard along the road surface. Water will be pumped into bladder reservoirs and pumping relays will be used to move water from the bladders along the burn perimeter hose lays.

6.1.3                       Establishment of staging area

A staging area for all fire crew personnel and equipment will be established. The area will be used to stage helicopters, vehicles, fuel, and equipment. It is anticipated that crews and equipment will occupy this area for between one and two weeks depending on the required mop up following the burn. The proposed staging area is located at the gravel pit located at Ninth and Elwyn Street just below the intersection of Svaboda Road (Map 6). This staging area will provide a base for all phases of the operation including ignition, crew and equipment deployment, safety and evacuation.

 

Map 6. Staging area map.

7.0                           Burning Operations

7.1                             Ignition and Control Plan

Prior to the strip ignition of the treatment units the perimeter fire guard and the boundary of TU2 will be blacklined immediately adjacent to the guard (Map 7). The purpose of blacklining is to create an enhanced containment line such that the probability of a spot fire to breach the guard is very low.

 

Map 7. Location of blackline along the perimeter guard and around TU2.

The ignition strategy will be to establish the fire along the southern boundary of the treatment area. If the prevailing winds are from the southeast, then ignition strategy may be compromised and the burn will have to be delayed until such time as there are favourable wind conditions. A three person hand crew (with spare torches) with drip torches will be used for the ignition. The Ignition Boss will direct all ignitions during burning operations. The proposed pattern is illustrated in Map 8; however, the ignition sequence will be finalized once the wind conditions on the day of the burn have been determined.

The final ignition plan will be signed off on site prior to the commencement of the burn. Ignition of the unit is planned for Spring/Fall to ensure appropriate fuel moisture conditions exist in both TU1 and TU2, and to minimize the impact of smoke during the burn. The ignition plan will utilize the topographic features of the burn unit. Spotting across the guarded perimeter of the treatment area is considered to be the primary holding problem. It is anticipated that two days will be required to burn the entire area.

After the burn of the southern portion of TU1 above the road is completed, the remainder of TU1 below the road will be burned. Once all of TU1 is completed and contained, ignition of TU2 will commence. Similar to TU1, ignition will begin upslope along the southern boundary and strip ignition crews will move downslope creating a strip fire ignition pattern that maintains control of the fire and creates the desired fire effects (Map 8). Control and desired fire effects will be controlled by the amount of fuel and distance between each ignition strip. It will be up to the Burn Boss to determine the width of strips based on weather conditions and observations of fire behaviour.

Although all possible precautions will be taken to minimize the risk of spotting and escape, there is still a small chance of fire escape from the primary burn area. The proposed ignition sequence should reduce the spotting hazard resulting in a reduced probability that the fire will escape outside of the overall acceptable burn area.

Map 8. Proposed ignition sequence map.

7.1.1                       Test Burn Considerations

One or more test-burns will be mandatory prior to the treatment area ignition to evaluate the relationship between forecast FWI/FBP values and observed fire behaviour. A small patch of slash fuel next to the perimeter guard containing representative vegetation and slash will be identified for test fire within both TU1 and TU2. If actual observed fire behaviour values (i.e., rates of spread and intensity) are within the predefined FBP prescription parameters, incident command staff will proceed with the blacklining and ignition patterns outlined in Map 7 and Map 8. Observed fire behaviour will be compared to FBP-forecasted fire behaviour in order to provide opportunities to correct any deviations.

8.0                           Holding Plan

8.1                             Escape Fire Contingency Plan

The holding plan will take full advantage of the established sprinkler line, blacklined areas, perimeter guard, hose lays and any portion of the unit that has been burned (Map 5 and Map 7). Additionally, the road that transects the block will serve as a fuel break to limit the spread of fire to either the north and or south if required.

Based on the values at risk and the configuration of the unit described above, the maximum acceptable burn area is the treatment unit boundary and this also establishes the contingency boundary. There are few good opportunities to contain a fire if it escapes outside of the perimeter guard. The main concern involving an escaped fire are the houses to the west on Svaboda Road and the City of Nelson intake to the east as described in the values at risk section of the plan. Outside of the treatment area this area provides limited opportunity for containment in terms of fuel breaks and there is potential for a large fire to develop in beetle killed stands that surround the area.

8.2                             Contacts

Any fire located outside of the burn unit at any time during this exercise will be reported to the Burn Boss and the South East Fire Center (250-365-4040). The Burn Boss will evaluate the spot fire and determine the appropriate action based on location, fire behaviour potential and crew availability. The ignition sequence will not be interrupted as long as the resources are available to evaluate, monitor, and manage the spot fire and the burn unit. If the Burn Boss determines that resources are inadequate to manage both operations, an escape will be declared and ignition activities will be stopped. An escape will not automatically drive the need for additional resources as the burn is being conducted within a Provincial Park. The decision to bring in additional resources will be a joint decision between representatives from the Ministry of Forests and Range, and BC Parks.

If the fire escapes outside of the perimeter guard surrounding the burn area, it will be declared an escaped fire. Standard operational wildland fire fighting protocol will be applied, with a Fire Analysis to be completed on site.

8.3                             Resources

Burning the unit will involve the use of a 3 three person ignition crew. One helicopter will be used as a spotter/observer to monitor ignition and fire behaviour. The helicopter will have a bucket available on site for any required suppression action. A 20 person crew will be held on site by the Burn Boss for control and mop-up of any situation within the burn area or fire escape requiring suppression action.

Southern boundary concerns will be periodically monitored from the air by helicopter, which will act as a spotter during the ignition phase of the burn operation. A lookout will be posted on a safe ridge top location and will be responsible for identification of spot fires adjacent to the burn area. Additional crews based on consultation with the Southeast Fire Center will be held on standby in Nelson in the event of an escape.

The 20 person unit crew will be utilized for holding, mopup and patrol. Additional resources will be made available as holding and control actions are required.

9.0                           On Site Communications

All ignition, control and ground crew will use a Simplex frequency designated at the time of the burn. Use of this frequency will increase safety and decrease outside interference. The Safety Officer will also monitor the BC Parks Yellow frequency[B1] , which connects to the Forest Service and South East Fire Center. The Silver Channel may be used by staff in other functions to avoid interference with operations. There are currently no confirmed “dead” spots in any areas of the burn unit. As a backup, a high elevation lookout location will be established to provide a backup that will also act as a radio relay.

10.0                      Safety Plan

10.1                         Briefing

All participants in the prescribed burn operation will be thoroughly briefed each morning of the operations. The briefing will cover the following key elements:

·         Fireline organization;

·         Objectives – Ignition plan/holding plan;

·         Individual assignments;

·         Expected fire weather/fire  behaviour; and

·         Additional safety concerns.

 

Only personnel identified in the burn organization chart will be permitted in the project area. All others will be required to remain outside the project area until the ignition component of the operation is complete. All personnel involved in the burn are to limit their exposure to smoke.

10.2                         Escape Routes

Escape routes will vary depending on individual position in or adjacent to the burn area. It will be the responsibility of the Burn Boss and Crew Supervisor to identify and ensure that appropriate escape routes are available at all times during the operations. Escape route strategies should be discussed during all briefing sessions.

10.3                         Safety Zones

There are a limited number of safety zones near the burn unit. These include the road that transects the unit and established landing areas along this road. The staging area at the bottom of Svaboda Road is considered the best safe zone near to the burn are in the event of a serious escape (Map 6). The Burn Boss and Crew Supervisor should ensure that all personnel are aware of appropriate safety zones.

10.4                         Emergency Response

A designated WCB first aid attendant will be on site during all phases of burning operations and will provide initial emergency care for any medical incidents. All first aid incidents will be reported to the Burn Boss who will be responsible for allocating appropriate resources to deal with an emergency response. The nearest hospital is located in Nelson, and will be notified prior to ignition. A helicopter will be on standby during all phases of the operation to transport any serious emergency victim to the Nelson Hospital.

10.5                         Personal Protective Equipment (P.P.E.)

All personnel involved in the operation are required to wear P.P.E. Mandatory equipment (WCB 26.19 and 26.7) is as follows:

·         Long-sleeved shirt, pants, or coveralls made of cotton, wool, denim or flame resistant;

·         High visibility orange or red hard hat;

·         Headlamp that attaches to hardhat;

·         Leather boots with either caulked or Vibram soles; and

·         Leather gloves.

 

Recommended equipment is as follows:

·         100% cotton or wool undergarment;

·         Cotton, wool, or nomex jacket or sweater;

·         Cotton bandanas;

·         Goggles;

·         Fireline pack;

·         Canteens; and

·         Radio chest pack & spare AA batteries.

10.6                         Medivac Plan

A first aid attendant will be on site for at least the initial fire days. Depending on the severity of the injured, helicopter transport will be considered. The Nelson hospital has adequate facilities to deal with most injuries. There will be one dedicated helicopter (with spine board) to be used in this capacity.

·         Nelson

-        Severe – stabilize & ship to Kelowna or Vancouver.