Wildland Fire Management Plan Craters of the Moon National Monument XII. Public Safety

The 1995 Federal Wildland Fire Management Policy mandates that "Public and firefighter is the first priority in every fire management activity."

A. Public Safety Issues

Wildland fires can present a hazard to firefighters and to the public visiting the monument. The safety of all people in the area is the primary concern of the Incident Commander. In most cases, the small fires encountered within the monument make this a fairly simple concern.

B. Procedures for Mitigating Safety Issues

Usually the entire perimeter of the fire is easily monitored and there is little likelihood it will spread far. In these cases, the concern will be to keep the public out of the immediate fire area, far enough away that they will not hinder the suppression activities. Under no circumstance will anyone be permitted near a fire without the appropriate training and personal protective equipment.

In the case of a wildland fire that has potential for rapid spread, there will be a possibility that park visitors will be in areas of danger. Visitors will be informed at the entrance station and the visitor center regarding the fire and the area where caution should be exercised. Efforts will be made to inform backcountry hikers and campers of fire activity that may threaten them and what measures to take to stay safe.

In extreme situations where the rate of spread constitutes an immediate threat, all efforts should be made to alert backcountry hikers and campers of the danger. Signs will be placed at each trailhead warning hikers and backcountry users when wildland fires are being managed for resource benefits. Signs warning of possible smoke on the road will be placed on the park's roads if smoke produced during wildland fires create a safety concern. Roads may be closed or ranger escorted convoys established if visibility on Highway 93 or park roads is significantly impaired. Any closures or actions related to Highway 93 must be approved and implemented by the Idaho Department of Transportation and/or State Police.

Temporary closure of the monument or a portion may be needed when fire behavior has potential to endanger visitor and employee safety. When a fire threatens to escape from the park or has the potential to do so, adjacent authorities will be given as much advance notice as possible in order to take appropriate action.