FSH 5109.18 - WILDLAND FIRE PREVENTION HANDBOOK
                    WO AMENDMENT 5109.18-99-1
                      EFFECTIVE 06/10/1999

        CHAPTER 60 - COORDINATED WILDLAND FIRE PREVENTION 

60.2 - Objective.  To increase the effectiveness of wildland fire 
prevention and communications programs through coordinated 
efforts with Federal, State, tribal, and local agencies, public 
and private organization, and residents.

60.3 - Policy.  The Forest Service shall actively support and 
assist State forestry and other public agencies, schools, 
businesses, industry, civic clubs, and groups or persons working 
to prevent human-caused wildland fires.  The national and 
regional Cooperative Forest Fire Prevention (CFFP) programs shall 
lay the groundwork for expanded State and local programs, which 
identify specific problem areas and planned solutions (ch. 10).

60.6 - Role of National Wildfire Coordinating Group.  The 
National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) was formed on March 
18, 1976, by a cooperative agreement between the Secretaries of 
Agriculture and Interior to improve the effectiveness and 
efficiency of all Federal and State wildland fire control 
agencies in the United States by coordinating wildland fire 
prevention programs.  The NWCG provides a system for reaching 
agreement on substantive issues in fire management and 
implementing agreed-upon policies, standards, and procedures in 
the Federal and State wildland fire control agencies. 

60.61 - Working Teams.  The NWCG forms working teams to carry out 
the functional work of the group, composed of individuals having 
technical expertise in their particular field and a broad 
representative viewpoint, both agencywide and geographically.  
Working team chairpersons are selected by the vote of the NWCG. 
Working teams submit reports and recommendations to NWCG for 
review, approval, and/or future action.  Wildland fire prevention 
activities in NWCG are addressed in the Wildland Fire Information 
Working Team.

61 - COORDINATION AND COOPERATION.  Coordinate programs and 
efforts and, as appropriate, enter into formal agreements 
(FSM 1500).  Enhance fire prevention programs by developing 
coordination and cooperation with communities, schools, 
corporations, athletic teams, civic groups, small businesses, 
or other Federal, State, and local governmental entities.  

Successful coordination and cooperation in fire prevention 
programs  include the following elements among the entities 
involved: 

   1.  Mutual interest in a goal or value.

   2.  A state of involvement, communication, and sharing by all 
parties.

   3.  Voluntary participation.

   4.  A specified relationship between parties (a written 
agreement).

   5.  Mutual benefit for nonmonetary consideration.

   6.  No conflict of interest.

   7.  Appropriate legal authority.

61.1 - Cooperative Agreements.  (FSM 1580, FSH 1509.18).  Before 
formalizing an agreement with a potential cooperator, carefully 
consider the following factors: budget; legal requirements and 
guidelines; audience awareness, attitudes, needs, and appeal or 
attraction to the program; mutual benefits; sustainability; 
evaluation criteria; recognition; and timeframes. 

62 - WILDLAND FIRE PREVENTION COOPERATIVES.  Use organized 
cooperative fire prevention efforts by fire agencies, business 
leaders, interested individuals, and service groups, as an 
effective and efficient method of reducing wildland fire 
ignitions.