Helena National Forest
Davis Fire Summary and Review
The Davis 5 prescribed burn was ignited on August 25, 2010 to minimize the risk, severity, and extent of wildfires within the adjacent area while achieving other multiple resource management objectives on the Lincoln Ranger District of the Helena National Forest. The burn escaped pre-identified boundaries and was declared a wildland fire on August 26, 2010. The fire was controlled in mid-September.
Shortly after the escape, I convened an interagency review team to objectively examine the key factors that led to the prescribed burns’ escape. Their review offers valuable lessons and recommendations that will benefit our future fire management operations. Prescribed fire is an important resource management tool the Forest Service uses to reduce fuels and achieve ecosystem benefits.
My goal is to continually improve our actions by incorporating all knowledge and insight into future resource management and prescribed fire planning. I appreciate the team’s work. Their findings and recommendations are contained in the Davis 5 Prescribed Burn—Escaped Fire Review.
LESLIE A.C. WELDON
Regional Forester