2003

Washita Battlefield National Historic Site
Second Prescribed Burn Successful at Washita Battlefield National Historic Site

Ignition of a 33 acre resource management planned fire occurred April 4, 2003 on the southwest area of Washita Battlefield National Historic Site. “The finesse and accuracy of the fire and ignition crews could be seen as Red Bud trees in full bloom were untouched by the fire yet inches away undesirable species went up in flames” stated Superintendent Wendy Lauritzen. A column of black, oily looking smoke could be seen as the fire burned through a dense area of Kochia, an undesirable and invasive plant in the area. Lauritzen identified that the dark smoke was “a good sight to see” as Kochia is one of the targeted species that the prescribed fires will aid in eliminating, along with follow-up treatments. Over time, repeated use of prescribed fire is intended to restore and maintain the grassland/prairie habitat in a healthy condition.

Lauritzen identified that this was the second and last burn for the season at the park, with this prescribed burn connecting with the adjoining March 6 burn line. Ultimate and long-term success of the effects of prescribed fire to the site will be determined through on-going study of established plant plots throughout the burned areas and the rest of the park. The research is being conducted by Vegetation Ecologist Pam Benjamin, Intermountain Region — National Park Service.

The operation was an interagency effort with firefighters from federal, state, local and private authorities; including the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, and volunteer fire departments. Firefighters and engine crews were provided by Strong City Volunteer Fire Dept. (Strong City, Oklahoma), Private 701 (Granbury, TX), Packsaddle Recreation Area (State of Oklahoma: Wildlife Conservation Department), Black Kettle National Grassland and Washita Battlefield NHS (Cheyenne, OK), Lake Meredith National Recreation Area (Fritch, TX), and Bandelier National Monument (Los Alamos, NM). There were 19 people assigned to the fire operation which included 6 engines, 1 ATV, and tracker plow. Burn bosses were Mike Davin of Lake Meredith NRA and Josh Erickson of Bandelier NM.

As had occurred in the previous burn, weather behavior predicted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), located in Norman, OK, was “dependable and accurate” stated Burn Boss Mike Davin.

Washita Battlefield National Historic Site
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