Management of Fire

Until the 1970s, fires were extinguished in national parks to the extent this was possible with the available firefighting techniques and personnel. However, the growing recognition of the role of fire as part of a naturally functioning ecosystem led to a more complex fire management policy. Human-caused fires are always put out as quickly as possible, but decisions about managing lightning-caused fires take into consideration many factors, including the proximity of the fire to developed areas and private property, the weather forecast, and the availability of firefighters and equipment in the event that containment becomes necessary because of growth in the fire perimeter. Fires that meet certain criteria in Bighorn Canyon, Grand Teton, and Yellowstone are allowed to burn.

 
Updated 8/26/08