Fires in the wildland/urban interface (WUI) affect hundreds of thousands of people each year___and not just homeowners. Federal and state agency employees, land-use planners, firefighters, fire officers and ecologists, and politicians are all challenged by the complexities inherent in the WUI. If you count yourself in those ranks, now___s the time to convene with other leaders facing this challenge at the International Association of Fire Chiefs___ (IAFC) 2009 WUI Conference held March 24___26 at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, Nev.__
___The challenges we face are cumulative and are growing every year,___ says conference organizer Don Artley._____Unfortunately, we currently face a perfect storm of global climate change that has led to prolonged drought and lengthening fire seasons across the country; we have an accumulation of fuels on federal lands; and we have more people moving into fire-prone forested areas.
___The confluence of these three factors is our challenge, and unfortunately we___re falling short. The intent of the conference is to provide the most current thinking for confronting this problem,___ he says. ___It___s our hope that we will be able to work together to better understand our problem and hopefully to craft solutions.___
WUI 2009 offers workshops and case studies that will examine prevention, education and mitigation; suppression strategies and tactics; and wildland fire policy. Highlights include panel discussions on the most significant recent fires and the lessons learned.
Between discussions and classes, the showroom floor will feature the latest in new WUI-specific products. And there___s no better place to network with other leaders facing the WUI challenge head-on.
Another feature: excellent training opportunities. Classes begin March 22 and last 1 to 3 days. Courses feature certified instructors covering a range of topics to suit various levels of expertise and interest (see Preconference Sessions section below).
WUI 2009 promises to be a focused and progressive examination of our WUI challenge___a challenge that, if anything, only grows more complex each year. If you___re a stakeholder in the WUI, your presence at this conference will leave you better informed about the nature of this challenge, and your voice will enrich the conversation as we work together toward solutions.
The Keynote Address
Kicking off the conference will be a speech by Dr. Faith Ann Heinsch of the Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences at the University of Montana. A colleague of Dr. Steven Running, co-recipient of the Nobel Prize for his work on climate change, Dr. Heinsch will discuss the effects of global climate change on wildfire and how it might affect human populations.
___This is a keynote you will not want to miss,___ Artley says.
Afterward, mingle with other conferees at the welcome reception and stroll the exhibit hall.
The Conference
Following is a rundown of a few highlights from this year___s conference.
Suppression Strategies & Tactics
__ Managing the Unexpected: Three Case Studies in Wildland Fire___Case studies will be presented about high-reliability organizing principles implemented in the national parks, national forests and several incident management teams. Speakers include David Christenson, assistant center manager, Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center, and Mike DeGrosky, consultant, The Guidance Group.
__ Successful Use of Aviation Resources during Initial and Extended Attack___Successful attack requires coordination among agencies and a knowledge of agency limitations. This session, which will consider the current state of aviation and its future in the WUI, is presented by Glen Claypool, national aviation specialist, Bureau of Land Management.
Prevention, Education & Mitigation
__ Partners in Fire Education: Research on Public Attitudes Toward Fire Will Advance Communication___As WUI fires grow complex and costly, public acceptance of programs other than suppression has not kept pace with developments in policy. Partners in Fire Education (PIFE) is a broad stakeholder and interagency steering committee that has conducted comprehensive public opinion polling and will report on its findings. Presented by Sandy Shatter, fire plan coordinator, Applegate Partnership.
__ Mega-Fires: The Case for Mitigation___WUI 2009 is proud to announce a partnership with the Institute for Business and Home Safety. President and CEO Julie Rochman will present research about the $1-billion Witch Creek Fire of 2007 in San Diego County. Although research was focused on Southern California, implications are national.
Wildland Fire Policy
__ Will Australia___s ___Leave Early or Stay and Defend___ Approach work in the U.S.? This panel will consider the dangers of last-minute evacuations and whether this Australian tactic has applicability here. The panel will include Chief Douglas McDonald, Los Alamos (N.M.) County Fire Department; Steve Frye, area operations manager, Northwest Land Office, MT DNRC; Keith Harrap, assistant commissioner, New South Wales Rural Fire Service; Dr. Sarah McCaffrey, research scientist, USDA Forest Service; and Chief Bob Roper, Ventura County (Calif.) Fire Department.
__ The Insurance Industry and Private Protection Services___As private insurers get into the fire suppression game, questions of their role and status arise. The panel will discuss these issues and will include representatives from the Chubb Insurance Group and AIG, as well as members of the public fire service.
Conclusion
These are only a few of the many valuable sessions that will be offered at WUI 2009. So don___t hesitate: Register today and lend your voice to the chorus.
How to Register
Online: www.iafc.org/wui
Fax: To register by fax, download and complete the registration form and fax it with credit card information to 703/631-1167.
By Mail: Send registration form and payment to:
IAFC Registration Center
11208 Waples Mill Rd., Suite 112
Fairfax, VA 22030
For any additional information, please call 730/449-6418 or, toll-free in the United States and Canada, 800/934-1957.Questions may also be sent by email to iafcregistration@jspargo.com.
Preconference Sessions
1-, 2- & 3-day educational sessions offered before the show
Preconference educational opportunities have been significantly beefed up since last year.
Preconference sessions are included with full conference registration or can be purchased separately. So take the opportunity to acquire some new skills before the show by signing up for one or more of the following. (Note: Prerequisites may apply.)
3-Day Classes, March 22___24
__ Safety Officer: Training for certification as a Type 2 Safety Officer in the Incident Command System (ICS). Prerequisites: Qualified as division/group supervisor.
__ Task Force/Strike Team Leader: A 24-hour course as outlined in the Wildland Fire Qualifications System Guide and the Position Task Books. Prerequisites: Qualified as single resource boss; successful completion of pre-course work.
__ Division/Group Supervisor: Training in the role of division/group supervisor, including a final examination. Prerequisites: Qualified as task force leader or as incident commander Type 3 or Type 4, as well as qualified in any two strike team leadership positions (one of which must be STCR or STEN).
2-Day Classes, March 22___23
__ Firewise Training: Assessing Wildfire Hazards in the Ignition Zone: A workshop that examines case studies, myths about WUI fires, risk factors, ecology and safety zone assessment. Participants will perform home ignition zone evaluations.
__ Ground Support Unit Leader: Training to perform duties of managing the transportation plan, maintenance and related services of an incident. Prerequisites: Qualified as equipment manager (EQPM).
1-Day Classes, March 24
__ Unified Command: Training in how to manage incidents, control responding agencies and understand unified command. Activities and exercises are designed to allow participants to apply the knowledge they gain.
__ The Language of Fire: Communications Training: A workshop presented by national experts on communicating during crises. Topics include public perception of fire, how to communicate the benefits of fire management, how the media works and how to convey a consistent message through the media.
Field Trip!
Visit the Incline Village/
Third Creek Fuels Treatment Project
Join Chief Michael D. Brown of the North Lake Tahoe (Nevada.) Fire Protection District for a trip to this 52-acre mixed conifer environment to see fuels-reduction practices firsthand, from harvesting hardwood to clearing dead fuels to broadcast burning. The perfect end to the week!
