Wildland Fire Management

 

Wildfire is an important part of a thriving ecosystem. Fire management teams will sometimes plan prescribed fires and mechanical treatments to prevent dangerous wildfire.

Ice Age Trail Alliance

Wildland fire is a complex and important contributor to the health of the ecosystems found along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. Many ecosystems rely on wildland fires as a natural means of reseeding areas for fresh vegetation and growth. In some cases, wildfire management teams implement planned burns to assist nature with the process. Wildfire management teams also respond to emergency and accidental fires, either caused by humans for nature that become too dangerous and harmful to the natural resources and human elements. The National Park Service works closely with professionals, specialists, and local and national partners to study the natural aspects of the scenic trail, and to assess and facilitate any wildland fire management needs.

Types of Wildland Fires

There are three major types of wildland fire that teams will manage:

1. Unplanned ignitions include fires that are not planned in advance and managed by fire crews. Unplanned ignitions can result from manmade and natural causes.
2. Planned ignitions are prescribed, low-intensity fires that are planned in advance and monitored. The goal of prescribed fire is to reduce hazardous fuel build up while safely reintroducing fire to the ecosystem to meet specific resource management objectives.
3. Mechanical treatments require the use of a variety of tools to reduce forest fuels in areas along the trail. They include the use of chain saws, chippers, weed eaters, and hand crews to maintain cut and store brush for future burning and create and maintain shaded fuel breaks.

How You Can Help

There are many ways that you can help prevent unplanned and potentially dangerous wildfire. Education and prevention are the first steps in keeping yourself, others, and the resources along the trail safe from wildfire. Be safe, be smart, and plan ahead. Prior to your visit, please consult the trail laws and the Superintendent's Compendium for specific regulations about fire and other activities that have the potential to cause fire.

Fire Safety

• Know if/where you can have a fire. Always consult trail laws and policies. Starting fires in prohibited areas is illegal and can cause dangerous wildfires.
• In case of emergency, call 911.

Leave No Trace

Practice the seven Leave No Trace Principles in order to prevent the possibility of wildfires. Consider using a lightweight stove for cooking and smaller lanterns for light instead of a campfire. Properly dispose of trash that may catch on fire. Leaving areas as you found them minimizes the risk of wildland fires.

Great Lakes Fire Management Zone

Wildland Fire operations along the midwest area of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail are facilitated by the Great Lakes Fire Management Zone. The Great Lakes program oversees fire operations at 12 other National Park Service sites in the Midwest.

 

Additional Resources

• Director's Order #18: Wildland Fire Management. This director's order states the basic principles and strategic guidelines governing the management of wildland fire by the National Park Service. January 16, 2008
• National Park Service Wildland Fire Strategic Plan for the years 2020-2024
• Reference Manual 18 for implementing agency-wide fire management programs for the National Park Service. April 2019