The appropriate management response concept represents a range of available management responses to wildland fires. Responses range from full fire suppression to managing fires for resource benefits (fire use). Management responses applied to a fire will be identified in the fire management plan and will be based on objectives derived from the area’s land use allocation, as determined in the Arizona Statewide Land Use Plan Amendment for Fire, Fuels and Air Quality Management (BLM 2004); relative risk to resources, the public, and firefighters; potential complexity; and the ability to defend management boundaries. Any wildland fire can be aggressively suppressed and any fire that occurs in an area designated for fire use can be managed for resource benefits if it meets the prescribed criteria from an approved fire management plan.
Fire suppression will be carried out in a manner consistent with Interagency Standards for Fire and Aviation Operations, which is updated on an annual basis by the National Interagency Fire Center. Logistical support, operation and coordination, and policies and procedures for mobilization of fire fighting resources are outlined in the Southwest Area Mobilization Guide. This guide provides direction for Federal and State agencies in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.
The following constraints to fire suppression actions are applicable:
Use suppression tactics that limit damage or disturbance to the habitat and landscape. Use no heavy equipment (such as dozers) unless approved.
Use fire retardants or chemicals next to waterways in accordance with the Environmental Guidelines for Delivery of Retardant or Foam near Waterways (Interagency Standards for Fire and Aviation Operations Task Group 2004).
In wilderness areas when suppression is required, use Minimum Impact Suppression Tactics (MIST) and coordinate with wilderness area management objectives and resource advisors.
Implement general and species-specific conservation measures to the extent possible to minimize harm to federally listed, proposed, or candidate species within the action area.
Fire management will continue to avoid the physical disturbance of known archaeological sites or sites found during fire management activities. Fires will not be intentionally started at known sites. Archaeologists will serve as resource advisors for fire management and help develop and implement fire and fuels management plans, which would address effects on cultural resources. Fire crews will be educated about the need to protect cultural resources.