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From flexibility to feasibility: identifying the policy conditions that support the management of wildfire for objectives other than full suppression

Scott Franz, Melanie Colavito , Catrin Edgeley

Abstract

Background Intentional management of naturally ignited wildfires has emerged as a valuable tool for addressing the social and ecological consequences of a century of fire exclusion in policy and practice. Policy in the United States now allows wildfires to be managed for suppression and other than full suppression (OTFS) objectives simultaneously, giving flexibility to local decision makers. Aims To extend existing research on the history of wildfire management, investigate how wildfire professionals interpret current policy with respect to OTFS management, and better understand how they translate policy into implementation. Methods Interviews were conducted in the Southwest U.S. with wildfire professionals to explore policy’s impact on OTFS management. Key Results Respondents reported that while flexible federal policy and interagency guidance was important, suitable landscape conditions, organizational capacity, support from national and regional leadership, updated management plans, increased monitoring capacity, and adequate performance measures also influence the decision to use OTFS strategies. Conclusions Translating flexible options into feasible operations requires aligning many layers of policy and people using proactive, collaborative, ongoing preparation.

WF24031  Accepted 06 July 2024

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