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USDA Forest Service. Wilderness Firefighting and Fire Information. Objectives. To understand the role of fire information in Wilderness fire management. To understand the role of the WFRA in support of fire information.
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USDA Forest Service Wilderness Firefighting and Fire Information
Objectives • To understand the role of fire information in Wilderness fire management. • To understand the role of the WFRA in support of fire information. • To gain tips and tools for being effective in guiding the incident Public Information Officer in incorporating Wilderness into media efforts.
Why fire information in Wilderness fire management? • Attitudes about fire policy, fire management, and/or Wilderness. • Information leads to understanding. • Understanding leads to support.
What is the role of the PIO in wilderness fire management? • Work with the media and conduct public meetings. • Run a trap line coordinating with local residents. • Work with in-holdings. • All other normal duties of the PIO.
What is the role of the WFRA in fire information? • Help explain fire policy, fire response, tactics/actions. • Help explain the difference between general wildland and Wilderness fire fighting. • Work with the PIO to get our information out.
Media, Local communities, incident personnel, other agencies/orgs Forest PAO Non-incident WFRA Incident only PIO Incident only NIFC National fire issues WO Press Office
What are Wilderness values? • Protect • Watershed areas • Biological diversity • Cultural and historic areas • and provide • An opportunity for solitude and scenery • Economic value • Educational opportunities • and recreation
Unique messages to convey aboutfire in Wilderness • Natural fire occurrence • Change in landscapes due to fire intensity/lack of fire • Balance between allowing some fire and suppressing others • Challenge to get to a fire in Wilderness
Difficulties with fire information in Wilderness • Access for media to interview firefighters. • Access to photograph the fire.
How can the WFRA help the PIO? • What resources are in the fire area • List of Wilderness values at risk- specific Wilderness issues and fire fighting methods for suppression and rehab.
“Unofficial” New (Social) Media • No policy prohibits USDA Forest Service employees from posting information or photographs about their professional lives on their personal social media sites. • However, all information and photos/videos regarding incidents should be routed through the proper channels.
Questions or comments? Alice Cohen, Public Affairs and Education Specialist National Forests in North Carolina 828-257-425 acohen@fs.fed.us