Collaboration is Key to Success for National Capital Area

Zeke Seabright briefs firefighters at the Antietam National Battlefield.

NPS

The National Capital Area (NCA) has a very small fire staff consisting of the region’s fire management officer (FMO), a fire program management assistant, and a collateral duty fire communication and education specialist. But year after year, the region’s collateral duty militia firefighters and support staff answer the call. In FY’21, 110 National Park Service staff with National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) qualifications filled positions from parks across the NCA. With the coordination by the FMO, Zeke Seabright, 34 firefighters responded to support fire suppression in nine western states, while others responded to 17 fire incidents in NCA.

Zeke also conducted three prescribed fires totaling 244 acres at Manassas National Battlefield Park, Monocacy, and Antietam national battlefields. The prescribed fire treatments not only fight invasive species, but also protect and restore park resources and cultural landscapes. The parks in NCA are in wildland-urban interface areas, where there is high potential for catastrophic loss due to fires. The smaller prescribed fires are great training grounds for gaining experience, getting taskbooks signed off, sharing knowledge of resources and tactics, and working together building a team. It was also a good opportunity to work with park partners including the USDA Forest Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Virginia and Maryland state forestry, The Nature Conservatory, Department of Defense, and local volunteer fire departments.

According to Seabright, “In the past, the work used to be purely suppression, but we are working toward a more active role in fire management to a more even balance of preparedness and fuels treatment funding. We are looking forward to filling several positions to help manage the increasing workload.”

The huge amount of work accomplished in the fire program would not be possible without the backing of park superintendents, allowing their staff to work on these assignments. They serve as wonderful role models of support and their willingness to share resources is greatly appreciated.

Planned prescribed fire projects for FY’22 include Antietam National Battlefield, Catoctin Mountain Park, Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal National Historical Park, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, Manassas National Battlefield, Monocacy National Battlefield, Prince William Forest Park, and Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts.