White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan 2015
White Butte Trails Recreation Site
Prepared by
Glen Longpre & Michel Tremblay
For
Ministry of Parks, Culture & Sport – Parks Division
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
1
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan Approvals
The White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan 2015 has been reviewed and approved for
implementation by:
Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport
Parks Division
Ministry of Environment
Wildfire Management Branch
______________________
______________________
Signature
Signature
Date
Dallas Chorneyko
Park Supervisor
Echo Valley Provincial Park
Date
Bud Sabean
Forest Protection Officer
Cypress Hills Fire Base
______________________
______________________
Signature
Signature
Date
Date
Kathie McFarland – Park Area Manager
Southeast Park Area
Rocky Purves – Fire Area Manager
Prince Albert Fire Area
______________________
______________________
Signature
Signature
Date
Glen Longpre - Manager
Landscape Protection Unit
Date
Curtis Lee
Director of Wildfire Management
Operations
______________________
______________________
Signature
Signature
Date
Larry Schiefner
Acting Director of Southern Parks Operations
Date
Steve Roberts
Executive Director
Wildfire Management Branch
______________________
Signature
Date
Bob McEachern
Executive Director
Park Management Services Section
_____________________
Signature
Date
Twyla MacDougall
Assistant Deputy Minister
Ministry Parks, Culture and Sport
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
2
Executive Summary
White Butte Trails Recreation Site is located approximately 18 kilometers east of Regina
and one kilometer north of the TransCanada Highway adjacent to White City. White Butte
Trails Recreation Site was established in the 1972 as a provincial recreation site and consists
of a land base of approximately 3 km2 or 431 hectares. The Recreation Site with its rolling
sandy landscape through grassland, dense shrubs and aspen parkland, provides a location for
people to escape the city for outdoor recreational activities such as walking, hiking, biking,
cross country skiing and nature appreciation. White Butte Trails Recreation Site is situated
along the eastern edge of the moist mixed grassland ecoregion and near the west of the
aspen parkland ecoregion (The Ecoregions of Saskatchewan).
In the years preceding the establishment of White Butte Trails Recreation Site the land was
administered by Ministry of Highways. At that time, the land base was utilized to access
gravel from quarry pits primarily located within its interior. Vegetation cover within the
recreation site is a mix of native and introduced exotic plant species. Introduced invasive
exotic grasses include crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum) and smooth bromegrass
(Bromis enermis), as well as introduced weedy species such as Canada thistle (Circium
Arvense) and leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula). Invasive exotic plant species currently
occupy expansive areas within this recreation site and have significantly degraded native
plant communities and their associated biodiversity. In 2009, an Invasive Alien Plant
Species Management Plan was developed for White Butte Trails Recreation Site which
identified treatment options for controlling and / or eradicating invasive exotic plant species
such as leafy spurge, smooth bromegrass and baby’s breath (Gypsophila paniculata).
Treatment options included biological, chemical, cultural and mechanical controls including
the use of fire.
The intent of the White Butte Tails Prescribed Burn Plan is to describe how fire will be
utilized to assist with the control of leafy spurge and smooth bromegrass. Fire will be part
of an integrated weed management1 treatment applied alongside with other options focused
on managing invasive exotic plant species found within White Butte Trails Recreation Site.
The White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn is situated in the southeast half of the recreation site
and is approximately 202 hectares in size. In May of 2014, the north end of the burn unit
was burnt off which included sub units one through four for a total of 70 hectares. In early
May of 2015, the remaining 132 hectares in the southeast corner of the recreation site will
be burned to complete this phase of the project.
1
Integrated Weed Management (IWM) is the combination of multiple management tools to reduce a pest
population to an acceptable level while preserving the quality of existing habitat, water, and other natural
resources
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
3
The goal / objectives of the White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn are:
 The goal of the burn is to remove as much above ground plant litter as possible
within the burn unit. Removal of residual litter will reduce leafy spurge seed
availability, reduce leafy spurge vigor, increase site accessibility for herbicide
treatments, reduce smooth bromegrass vigor and manage excessive fuel loads.
 The ecological objective is to maintain and promote native biodiversity and
enhance ecosystem function. The method to achieve this objective is to combine
prescribed burning with herbicide, biological and mechanical controls to reduce
leafy spurge and unnatural levels of shrub cover.
 Burn objectives are to apply fire in a safe manner, producing enough intensity
and severity to remove at least 90% of the above ground plant litter (dead plant
material) and induce stem mortality on shrubs and trees located within the burn
unit.
Fire equipment and qualified personnel will be provided through Parks Division and
Wildfire Management Branch, Ministry of Environment. Firefighting personnel from other
Ministries and local municipal fire departments may be utilized on this burn as well. There
will be approximately 30 personnel directly involved with the implementation of this burn
and a single command structure (Incident Command System) will be established to manage
and coordinate burn operations which will be directed by Parks Division. It is estimated
four days will be required for completion of the prescribed burn including mop-up and
patrol.
Contingency plans to address an escaped fire have been addressed and are included in the
main body of this plan. Public and adjacent landowner notifications will be provided at
least one week prior to the burn and again on the morning of the ignition. Notification to
public will be provided through radio broadcast and local newsprint. On the morning of the
burn local fire departments will be notified by phone of a go / no go situation.
Public / stakeholder meetings / consultations will occur during March, 2015 to ensure all
impacted individuals have had the opportunity for input and feedback. Individual meetings
with stakeholders within one kilometer of the burn will take place prior to general public
meetings to ensure their concerns and issues are addressed in person.
Costs to complete the 2015 White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn are estimated between
$30,000 and $34,000.00. These costs represent direct expenditures for meals and
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
4
accommodations, potable water, vehicle mileage, fuel for pumps/ignition, overtime and
other associated costs.
Smoke management issues are addressed in the main body of the plan and all necessary
precaution will be taken to mitigate health effects and smoke hazards in the affected area.
Wind flow required for undertaking this burn will be from a southerly direction to ensure
smoke will not create a hazardous situation on or near the Trans-Canada Highway or within
the communities of White City, Emerald Park or Pilot Butte.
The White Butte Prescribed Burn has been assessed using the Parks Division
Prescribed Burn Complexity Rating Analysis and it has been rated as high complexity
prescribed burn. Qualified overhead personnel will be assigned to this burn to meet the
complexity level identified.
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
5
Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction ........................................................................................... 11
2.0 Issues / Intent / Rationale ..................................................................... 11
2.1 Ecosystem Management Issues............................................................................... 11
2.2 Intent of the Project ................................................................................................. 14
2.3 Rationale to Support Project ................................................................................... 14
3.0 Prescribed Burn Goals / Objectives .................................................... 14
3.1 Goals ....................................................................................................................... 14
3.2 Ecological Objectives ............................................................................................. 14
3.3 Burn Objectives ...................................................................................................... 15
4.0 Prescribed Burn Unit / Containment Area Description…..……….. 15
4.1 Burn Unit ................................................................................................................ 15
4.1.1 Location of Burn Unit ...................................................................................... 15
4.1.2 Burn Unit Size.................................................................................................. 16
4.1.3 Soils within Burn Unit ..................................................................................... 16
4.1.4 Topography within Burn Unit .......................................................................... 16
4.1.5 Vegetation within Burn Unit ............................................................................ 16
4.1.6 Hydrology in Area ........................................................................................... 16
4.1.7 Fire History ...................................................................................................... 16
4.2 Containment Area ............................................................................................... 17
4.2.1 Location of Containment Area......................................................................... 17
4.2.2 Purpose of the Containment Area .................................................................... 17
5.0 Past / Present Land Use Management Activities in Burn Unit ........ 17
5.1 Past Land Use Practices .......................................................................................... 17
5.2 Present Land Use Practices ..................................................................................... 17
6.0 Monitoring Vegetation Effects of the Prescribed Burn .................... 18
6.1 Pre-burn Vegetation Inventory ............................................................................... 18
6.2 Post-burn Vegetation Inventory .............................................................................. 18
6.3 Monitoring Schedule and ReapplicationSchedule………………………………....18
6.4 Data Management and Analysis ............................................................................. 18
7. 0 Species at Risk / Sensitive Areas in Burn Unit.................................. 18
7.1 Species affected ...................................................................................................... 18
7.2 Sensitive Areas........................................................................................................ 17
7.3 Management Considerations ................................................................................... 18
8.0 Environmental Assessment .................................................................. 19
8.1 Carbon Emissions ................................................................................................... 19
8.2 Environmental Effects on Soils, Water, Flora, Fauna and Air ............................... 19
8.3 Socio/Economic Considerations ............................................................................. 19
8.4 Cultural and Historic Considerations ...................................................................... 20
8.5 Mitigation Measures ............................................................................................... 20
9.0 Values at Risk ........................................................................................ 20
9.1 Values at Risk in Containment Area/Burn Unit ..................................................... 20
9.2 Values at Risk outside of Containment Area/Burn Unit ......................................... 20
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
6
10.0 Prescription ......................................................................................... 22
10.1 Guards ................................................................................................................... 22
10.1.1 Scheduling...................................................................................................... 22
10.1.2 Desired Fire Effects ....................................................................................... 22
10.1.3 Synoptic Weather Conditions ........................................................................ 22
10.1.4 Weather Parameters ....................................................................................... 22
10.1.5 Fuel Conditions .............................................................................................. 24
10.1.6 Fire Behavior Parameters ............................................................................... 24
10.1.7 Stage of Vegetation Development Required to Meet Burn Objectives ......... 24
10.2 Sub Units............................................................................................................... 24
10.2.1 Scheduling...................................................................................................... 24
10.2.2 Desired Fire Effects ....................................................................................... 24
10.2.3 Synoptic Weather Conditions ........................................................................ 25
10.2.4 Weather Parameters ....................................................................................... 25
10.2.5 Fuel Conditions .............................................................................................. 26
10.2.6 Fire Behavior Parameters ............................................................................... 26
10.2.7 Stage of Vegetation Development Required to Meet Burn Objectives ......... 27
11.0 Prescribed Burn Monitoring on Burn Day ...................................... 27
11.1 Weather Monitoring .............................................................................................. 27
11.1.1 Weather station (on site / off site) .................................................................. 27
11.1.2 Fire Weather Monitoring ............................................................................... 27
11.1.3 Spot Weather Forecasting .............................................................................. 28
11.2 Fire Behavior Monitoring ..................................................................................... 28
11.3 Fire Effects Monitoring......................................................................................... 28
11.3.1 Vegetation Effects .......................................................................................... 28
11.3.2 Species at Risk Fire Effects ........................................................................... 28
11.3.3 Fire Severity Mapping ................................................................................... 28
11.3.4 Vegetation Mortality Assessment .................................................................. 28
12.0 Pre-Burn Unit Preparation ................................................................ 29
12.1 Burn Unit Perimeter Confirmation ....................................................................... 29
12.2 Pre-Burn Guard Development .............................................................................. 29
12.3 Containment Area Confirmation........................................................................... 29
12.4 Water Source Identification .................................................................................. 29
12.5 Photo Plot Establishment ...................................................................................... 29
12.6 Fuels Data Collection ............................................................................................ 29
12.7 GPS Data Collection ............................................................................................. 30
13.0 Ignition Plan ........................................................................................ 30
13.1 Guards ................................................................................................................... 30
13.1.1 Organizational Requirements......................................................................... 30
13.1.2 Resource Requirements ................................................................................. 31
13.1.3 Ignition Methods and Devices ....................................................................... 31
13.1.4 Ignition Patterns ............................................................................................. 31
13.1.5 Ignition Limitations ....................................................................................... 32
13.1.6 Emergency Cease Firing Protocol ................................................................. 32
13.1.7 Test Fire Requirements .................................................................................. 32
13.2 Sub Units............................................................................................................... 33
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
7
13.2.1 Organizational Requirements......................................................................... 33
13.2.2 Resource Requirements ................................................................................. 34
13.2.3 Ignition Methods and Devices ....................................................................... 34
13.2.4 Ignition Patterns ............................................................................................. 34
13.2.5 Ignition Limitations ....................................................................................... 35
13.2.6 Emergency Cease Firing Protocol ................................................................. 35
13.2.7 Test Fire Requirements .................................................................................. 36
14.0 Holding Plan ........................................................................................ 37
14.1 Guards ................................................................................................................... 37
14.1.1 Organizational Requirements......................................................................... 37
14.1.2 Resource Requirements ................................................................................. 38
14.1.3 Establishing Guards ....................................................................................... 39
14.1.4 Perimeter Control for Guards......................................................................... 39
14.1.5 Containment area ........................................................................................... 40
14.1.6 Management Considerations .......................................................................... 40
14.2 Sub Units............................................................................................................... 41
14.2.1 Organizational Requirements......................................................................... 41
14.2.2 Resource Requirements ................................................................................. 42
14.2.3 Establishing & Maintaining Guards on Sub units.......................................... 43
14.2.4 Perimeter Control for Sub units ..................................................................... 43
14.2.5 Containment area ........................................................................................... 43
14.2.6 Management Considerations .......................................................................... 43
15.0 Mop-up / Patrol Plan .......................................................................... 47
15.1 Mop-up / Patrol Requirements .............................................................................. 47
15.2 Infrared Scanning Requirements........................................................................... 47
15.3 Turn-Over Procedure ............................................................................................ 47
16.0 Contingency Plan ................................................................................ 47
16.1 Escape Fire ............................................................................................................ 47
16.2 Triggers to Determine Wildfire Status .................................................................. 48
16.3 Emergency Contacts ............................................................................................. 48
16.4 Transfer of Command ........................................................................................... 48
17.0 Smoke Management Plan................................................................... 49
17.1 Smoke Management On Site ................................................................................ 49
17.2 Downwind Affected Areas ................................................................................... 49
17.3 Mitigation Measures ............................................................................................. 49
18.0 Safety Plan ........................................................................................... 49
18.1 Briefings ................................................................................................................ 49
18.2 LACES .................................................................................................................. 50
18.3 On Site Evacuation Procedures ............................................................................. 51
18.4 Signage Requirements .......................................................................................... 51
18.5 Public Safety ......................................................................................................... 51
18.6 Authorized Personnel on Burn Unit Only………………………………………. 52
18.7 Hydro Line Safety………………………………………………………………...52
18.8 Highway Safety..................................................................................................... 52
18.9 Area Closures ........................................................................................................ 52
19.0 Prescribed Burn Complexity Rating................................................. 52
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
8
20.0 Medical Plan ........................................................................................ 53
21.0 Communications Plan......................................................................... 54
21.1 Radio Frequencies Assigned to Prescribed Burn Operations ............................... 54
21.2 Public / Media Communications Plan................................................................... 55
21.3 Key Messages ....................................................................................................... 56
21.4 Interpretive / Informational Materials ................................................................... 57
22.0 Stakeholder Consultation Plan .......................................................... 57
23.0 Logistical Support ............................................................................... 57
23.1 Lodging ................................................................................................................. 57
23.2 Sustenance............................................................................................................. 57
23.3 Potable Water ........................................................................................................ 58
23.4 Fuel ....................................................................................................................... 58
24.0 Resource Requirements Summary .................................................... 59
25.0 Prescribed Burn Organization .......................................................... 60
26.0 Budget .................................................................................................. 61
26.1 Projected Budget .............................................................................................. 61/62
27.0 Prescribed Burn Field Approval ....................................................... 62
28.0 Literature Cited .................................................................................. 63
29.0 Appendices ........................................................................................... 63
29.1 Forms .................................................................................................................... 63
29.1.1 Weather and Fire Behavior Monitoring ......................................................... 64
29.1.2 Go/No Go Checklist...................................................................................... 65
29.1.3 Prescribed Burn Complexity Rating Guide ................................................... 66
29.2 Maps...................................................................................................................... 71
29.2.1 Burn Unit Map ............................................................................................... 71
29.2.2 Overview & Containment Area Map ............................................................. 72
29.2.3 RM Edenwold……..…………………………………………………………73
29.3 Plans ...................................................................................................................... 74
29.3.1 Medical Plan .................................................................................................. 74
Route Maps and directions to Regina General and Pasqua Hospitals….. 75-78
29.3.2 Radio Plan ...................................................................................................... 79
29.3.3 Consultation Plan ........................................................................................... 80
29.4 Letter of Intent to Burn -Stakeholders……………………..…………………...... 82
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
9
List of Figures
Figure 1.
Change in Leafy Spurge distribution in White Butte Trails
Recreation Site from 2008 and 2013.
Pg. 13
Figure 2.
White Butte Trails Recreation Site is outlined in red. Proposed
burn unit is outlined in blue.
Ground ignition unit organization for guard burning (black lining).
Ground Ignition Unit Organization for Sub Units
Guard holding organization
Sub Unit holding organization
Layout of Burn Unit showing locations of the eight Sub Units
White Butte Prescribed Burn showing surrounding area and Burn
Unit in red/blue and Containment Area in yellow
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn organization
Pg. 15
Figure 3.
Figure 4.
Figure 5.
Figure 6.
Figure 7.
Figure 8.
Figure 9.
Pg. 30
Pg. 33
Pg. 37
Pg. 41
Pg. 45
Pg. 46
Pg. 60
List of Tables
Table 1.
Table 2.
Table 3.
Table 4.
Table 5.
Table 6.
Table 7.
Table 8.
Table 9.
Table 10.
Table 11.
Table 12.
Values at risk outside containment area / burn unit
Fire weather parameters for guard burning in an O-1a fuel type
Fire weather parameters for the sub unit in an O-1a fuel type
Resource requirements for guard ignition
Resource requirements for sub unit ignition
Resource requirements for guard holding
Resource requirements for sub unit holding
Medical Plan for White Butte Trails Burn
Radio Communications Plan for the White Butte Trails Burn
Public/media communications plan
Resource requirement summary for White Butte Trails
Prescribed Burn
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn projected budget
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
Pg. 21
Pg. 23
Pg. 26
Pg. 31
Pg. 34
Pg. 38
Pg. 42
Pg. 53
Pg. 54
Pg. 55
Pg. 59
Pg. 61/62
10
1.0 Introduction
Natural disturbance have shaped and created landscape and biological diversity on native
grasslands in southern Saskatchewan since the last glaciation period. Fire, grazing and
climatic conditions (droughts) were the main drivers maintaining healthy and vibrant
ecosystems. Fire was and is responsible for maintaining and renewing fire adapted plant
communities and the ecosystems they evolved in. It ensures these systems function as they
are intended as well ensures their structure and composition remain intact. Since the
settlement of the prairies by Europeans in the late 1800’s wildfires have all but been
eliminated and wildfire is no longer allowed to play out its natural role. The Ministry of
Parks, Culture and Sport, Parks Division manages provincial park lands using an ecosystembased management philosophy, recognizing the importance of natural disturbances such as
those created by wildfires and the effects these processes have on native landscapes and
biodiversity.
The White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn is intended to emulate wildfire in the rehabilitation
of the grasslands and to assist in the control of invasive exotic plant species in White Butte
Trails Recreation Site (WBTRS). Prescribed fire is a process which can be safely and
effectively applied to achieve the recreation site’s long term vegetation and land
management goals and objectives. The White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan will lay out
the requirements and procedures necessary to safely and effectively implement this burn.
2.0 Issues / Intent/Rational
2.1 Ecosystem Management Issues
White Butte Trails Recreation Site (WBTRS) is comprised of native vegetation, including
aspen groves and herbaceous species endemic to mixed prairie. Introduced exotic grasses
such as crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum) and smooth bromegrass (Bromis
enermis), and introduced weedy species such as Canada thistle (Circium Arvense) and leafy
spurge (Euphorbia esula) also occupy a significant area within WBTRS.
Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula L.) is a deep-rooted, long-lived perennial forb native to
Eurasia that is now widespread throughout the United States and southern Canada. Leafy
spurge grows in a variety of dry and moist habitats ranging from flood plains, riverbanks,
grasslands and slopes. It often occurs on rough terrain, making access for management by
conventional means difficult. Leafy spurge reduces or displaces native plant communities.
On sites where leafy spurge becomes the dominant productivity, ecosystem function,
genetic diversity, habitat quality, and aesthetics are negatively altered.
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
11
Leafy spurge was first reported at WBTRS in the early 1990’s. Saskatchewan Ministry of
Agriculture released beetles, as a biological control method, in the early 1990’s (Clark
Brenzil, personal comm). In intervening years, leafy spurge infestation levels increased, and
in 2008 Saskatchewan Parks Division (SPD) completed a comprehensive survey to
determine the extent of leafy spurge within WBTRS. A subsequent survey was completed
in 2013. Leafy spurge cover increased from 28.45 ha to 66.46 ha, an increase of 233.6%
from 2008 to 2013, (see Figure 1). Spurge beetle releases were completed by SPD between
2008-2013. Herbicides were applied to affected areas in 2013 and 2014 to reduce
infestation levels. At its present rate of expansion, leafy spurge will destabilize the
ecological integrity of WBTRS within the next 5 years. Control of leafy spurge is required
to maintain the ecological and aesthetic values of WBTRS, and to prevent WBTRS from
becoming a source of leafy spurge infestation to the surrounding area. Burning will help
gain access to spurge infested areas, facilitating herbicide application and promote leafy
spurge flea beetle colonization. Burning will reduce seed supply and vigor of leafy spurge
during the year of the burn, and may contribute to the efficacy of subsequent chemical and
biological control treatments. Burning in late April or early May will not directly impact
leafy spurge flea beetle larvae as they should still be underground. Adult leafy spurge flea
beetles do not emerge from underground until late June or early July.
White Butte Trails Recreation Site has significant cover of aspen in the form of bluffs
distributed throughout the area on sites with adequate moisture. Historically, periodic fires
maintained a balance of grassland and tree cover, and maintained a healthy age class
structure in aspen by removing over mature trees and encouraging regeneration by the
formation of suckers following fire. Fire treatment of aspen within the burn area will assist
in its rejuvenation.
Smooth bromegrass is a commonly grown forage grass in Saskatchewan. Originating in
Europe, it can be invasive on native grasslands. White Butte Trails Recreational Site has
significant cover of smooth bromegrass. Burning has shown to reduce the vigor of smooth
bromegrass, particularly on drier sites. Timing of burns is critical and the effects created by
fire are greatly influenced by the phenology of the plants.
White Butte Trails Recreational Recreation Site has not been burned in many years.
Presently there are significant fuel loads on the site, estimated from 1500 to 5000 kg per
hectare. Reduction in fuel loads to reduce wildfire risk is an additional positive outcome
from the proposed 2015 burn.
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
12
Figure 1: Change in Leafy Spurge distribution in White Butte Trails Recreation Site from
2008 and 2013.
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
13
2.2 Intent of the Project
The intent of the burn is to increase the recreation potential of the site by conserving the
natural landscape of WBTRS for the enjoyment of Saskatchewan people. The burn is also
being undertaken as part of an integrated weed management strategy to control leafy spurge.
2.3 Rational to Support Project
The mandate of the provincial parks system is defined in The Parks Act and states that park
land is dedicated to the people of Saskatchewan and visitors to Saskatchewan for their
enjoyment and education, and that the natural, prehistoric and historic resources of park land
are to be maintained for the benefit of future generations. Leafy spurge has negative
impacts on ecosystems and has the potential to spread to private and municipal lands.
3.0 Prescribed Burn Goals / Objectives
3.1 Goals
The goal of the burn is to remove as much above ground plant litter on the treatment area as
possible. Removal of residual litter will reduce leafy spurge seed availability, reduce leafy
spurge vigor, increase site accessibility for herbicide treatments, manage fuel loads and
reduce smooth bromegrass vigor.
The fire will also help to regenerate decadent aspen and thin out the native shrub stands that
have, in the absence of periodic burning, become unnaturally dense and extensive
throughout the recreation site grassland.
3.2 Ecological Objectives
The ecological objective is to maintain native biodiversity and enhance ecosystem function
within the WBTRS. The method to achieve this objective is to combine prescribed burning
with integrated weed management2 to reduce both leafy spurge and unnatural levels of shrub
cover.
The burn is one treatment in the integrated plan for leafy spurge control at WBTRS.
Introduced exotic plant species currently threaten the ecological integrity and aesthetic
values of WBTRS. Chemical control of leafy spurge will be facilitated by removal of last
year’s dead plant litter. Access to spurge infested areas will be improved, and coverage of
2
Integrated Weed Management (IWM) is the combination of multiple management tools to reduce a pest
population to an acceptable level while preserving the quality of existing habitat, water, and other natural
resources
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
14
target vegetation during spraying operations will be optimized. The prescribed burn is one
treatment in a multi-year plan to meet WBTRS vegetation objectives.
Other ecological objectives of the burn are to rejuvenate aspen, and to reduce vigor of the
smooth bromegrass populations located within the burn unit.
3.3 Burn Objectives
Fire Effects - The burn objective is to create a fire with sufficient intensity and severity to
remove at least 90% of the above ground plant litter (dead plant material, estimated fuel
load ranges from 1500 – 5000 kg/ha) and to raise above ground shrub / tree stems to over
80o C to induce stem mortality.
Fire Behavior – The burn objectives relating to fire behavior are to ensure head fire intensity
along control lines do not exceed 1.0 meter in length and the forward rates of spread do not
exceed 14m / min.
Additional objectives relating to fire behavior include:

making the area accessible for spray equipment and enhance herbicide
application for subsequent chemical control of leafy spurge
4.0 Prescribed Burn Unit / Containment Area Description
4.1 Burn Unit
4.1.1 Burn Unit Location
The burn site is located in the southeast portion of WBTRS. White Butte Trails Recreation
Site is located approximately 18 km east of Regina and 1 km north of TransCanada
Highway. Legal Land Description is SE, SW, NE Sec 26, Twp. 17, Rge. 18, W of 2nd.
Figure 2: White Butte Trails Recreation Site is outlined in red. Proposed burn area is
outlined in blue.
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
15
4.1.2 Burn Unit Size
The burn unit is approximately 202 hectares. The burn in 2015 will be approximately 132
hectares and will include subunits 5 through 8 only, the four mostly southerly subunits, (see
figure 7, page 45).
4.1.3 Soils within Burn Unit
Soils within the WBTRS are a combination of Whitesand Orthic Black, which is comprised
of coarse to moderately coarse glacio-fluvial deposits with loamy sands, sandy loams and
gravelly texture, and Caron Orthic Regosol and saline and gleyed Orthic Regosols. These
are coarse textured stratified alluvial deposits comprised of loamy sands and sandy loams.
(Saskatchewan Soil Survey, Soils of the Regina Map Area, 72-1)
4.1.4 Topography within Burn Unit
Topography is a combination of gently to moderately sloping and roughly undulating
without external drainage, knolls or ridges and short slopes of low and moderate relief and
high frequency with enclosed basins (Saskatchewan Soil Survey, Soils of the Regina Map
Area, 72-1).
4.1.5 Vegetation within Burn Unit
Vegetation on WBTRS is a mosaic of short-statured trembling aspen forests, mixed prairie
grassland species, and riparian area vegetation. Sand dunes present on the site support
vegetation communities substantially different than the vegetation of nearby native
grassland areas of more typical heavier-textured, non-sandy soils. Common sand dune
species may be Sand-grass (Calamovilfa longifolia), Indian Rice-grass (Oryzopsis
hymenoides), and other grasses and forbs typical of stabilized dune ecosystems. Level sites
can support stands of Plains Rough Fescue (Festuca hallii).
4.1.6 Hydrology in Area
External drainage patterns for the area are weak. Numerous closed depressions are present
in the area and within the burn unit. The water table in WBTRS is very close to the surface,
within 3 meters in many places.
4.1.7 Fire History
Last wildfire occurrence was in fall of 1994 when a wildfire burned approximately 10
hectares in the north end of the WBTRS. The burned area was primarily in aspen and shrub
communities.
In 2014, the north portion of the burn unit which included sub units one through four were
burned in a prescribe fire. Approximately 70 hectares were burned in May of 2014.
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
16
4.2 Containment Area
4.2.1 Location of Containment Area
Containment area boundaries will include the municipal road system which runs parallel to
the south and east sides of the burn unit. The parking lot on the north east side of the
recreation site and the walking trail leading from this parking lot to the southwest parking
lot will form the western boundary; the burn unit perimeter leading southeast from the
walking trail to the east/west road at the south end of the burn unit will form the remainder
of the west and southwest boundaries of the containment area, (see figure 8, page 46).
4.2.2 Purpose of Containment Area
The purpose of the containment area is to act as a protection buffer in the event that the
main burn escapes the burn unit. Fire may be allowed to burn within in this area as long as it
can be safely controlled and kept within containment area boundaries. In this case, fire
behavior occurring within the containment area is not to exceed the burn prescription
parameters. If fire cannot be safely managed in the containment area, the fire will be
extinguished as quickly as possible. If the fire escapes the containment area it will be
classified as wildfire and actioned according to Ministry of Environment, Wildfire
Management Policy.
5.0 Past / Present Land Use Activities in Burn Unit
5.1 Past Land Use Practices
White Butte Trails Recreation Site has not had any previous appreciable agricultural use,
other than perhaps livestock grazing. Plowing of the area was not completed in the past,
likely due to soil limitations and topographic restrictions to mechanized agriculture.
Saskatchewan Department of Highways retained control of the area up until the 1960’s, and
used various locations in the area to quarry gravel during that time. The area was
transferred to Saskatchewan Parks Division in the 1960’s. Since then it has been managed
for recreational use. While under SPD management the area has been largely idled.
5.2 Present Land Use Practices
Recent use on the area has been recreational with minimal landscape level vegetation
management occurring.
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
17
6.0 Monitoring the Vegetation Effects of the Prescribed Burn
6.1 Pre Burn Vegetation Inventory
Inventories to determine leafy spurge infestation were completed by SPD in 2008 and 2013.
Leafy spurge plants and patches were marked by GPS coordinates or GPS polygons,
respectively. On August 30, 2012, SPD completed a vegetation inventory of WBTRS.
Species lists were completed in 15, 10 square meter plots randomly distributed throughout
the area.
6.2 Post Burn Vegetation Inventory
The primary goal of the burn is to reduce litter. Reduction of litter will increase access to
leafy spurge and facilitate the application of herbicides to leafy spurge. Surveying the
extent of leafy spurge infestation on WBTRS will be ongoing, as part of the control strategy.
Post-burn changes to grassland vegetation can be determined by resampling 2012 survey
plots.
6.3 Monitoring Schedule and Reapplication Schedule
Subsequent site management will include selective control of leafy spurge. It is not
anticipated that the site will be burned again within the next two or three years.
6.4 Data Management and Analysis
Leafy spurge survey information is graphically represented using ARCmap software.
7.0 Species at Risk / Sensitive Areas
7.1 Species at Risk Affected
No species at risk have been identified in the burn unit.
7.2 Sensitive Areas Affected
The burn unit does contain pockets of native grassland vegetation; however fire is
considered a beneficial management application that will assist with the rehabilitation of this
grassland.
7.3 Management Considerations
Areas containing native prairie will be managed to ensure vehicular traffic and fire
suppression activities do not negatively impact this landscape.
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
18
8.0 Environmental Assessment
8.1 Carbon Emissions
Estimated carbon release to the atmosphere from the White Butte Prescribed Burn is
approximately 200 tonnes of C02. Fine fuel loading is estimated on average to be 3 tonnes
per hectare for the entire burn unit. Release of carbon to the atmosphere is calculated at
50% of actual grass fuel loading per area. The carbon release has not been calculated for the
woody or course materials in the burn unit.
8.2 Environmental Effects on Soils, Water, Flora, Fauna and Air
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn will be a medium severity / moderate intensity burn.
Residence time for the fire will be controlled through ignition patterns so there will be no
anticipated negative impacts to the soil. There are no streams or permanent water bodies
directly inside the burn unit. The ground in the burn unit is level to slightly undulating so
run off from rainfall that may cause soil erosion should be minimal with no long term
negative effects on surface water quality. There will be an immediate direct impact to
nesting birds, with losses of nests, however it is anticipated that many bird species will renest as the burn will occur in late April to early-May.
Air quality will be impacted only for duration of the burn and for a short time period postburn. The burn will be conducted under a slightly unstable atmospheric condition which will
promote vertical lifting, mixing and dispersal of the smoke in to the upper atmosphere.
8.3 Socio / Economic Considerations
There is an expectation that the Parks Division take appropriate management actions on
their landscape to manage and control the spread of noxious weeds. Leafy spurge is
problematic noxious weed which occupies a large proportion of the southern half of
WBTRS. Leafy spurge once established is difficult to control and poses a high risk of
spreading to adjacent lands. Spreading of noxious weeds from park lands can possibly lead
to adjacent landowners bearing financial costs for managing and controlling leafy spurge on
their lands.
Large areas covered by leafy spurge reduce biodiversity by competing with native plants for
space, moisture, nutrients and light. Loss of biodiversity decreases the natural aesthetics of
park landscapes and negatively impacts visitor experiences to this recreation site.
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
19
8.4 Cultural and Historic Considerations
No cultural or historic impacts have been identified.
8.5 Mitigation Measures
Care will be taken during the pre-burn site preparations and with suppression activities to
ensure there is no soil disturbance. Spinning of motorized vehicular wheels will not be
permitted and heavy vehicles will not be allowed to travel on the same track repeatedly or
through wet areas. Hose nozzles fed by high pressure fire pumps will not be allowed to cut
the soil surface.
9.0 Values at Risk
9.1 Values at Risk in Containment Area / Burn Unit
There are no park infrastructure assets within the burn unit, however to the north and west,
Parks Division has numerous walking / ski trails along with metal trail signs. Parks
Division also has a maintenance storage building which is immediately west of the burn
unit, adjacent to the Regina Wildlife Federation property. There are a couple of small
buildings (warm up shelter & outdoor washrooms) owned by Parks Division situated close
to the northeast parking lot of the recreation site.
There is a three phase power line running diagonally through the entire burn unit. The line
is supported by double wooden pole structures placed approximately every 100 meters
apart. The exterior of WBTRS is fenced with a three strand barbed wire fence which is in
poor to fair condition. The fence line is located along the perimeter of the burn unit on the
south and east sides.
9.2 Values at Risk outside of Containment Area/Burn Unit
The WBTRS is bordered on the north by a CPR railroad and railroad right-of-way. Low
density residential development borders the east and west sides of WBTRS. The Regina
Wildlife Federation has several building and shooting ranges attached directly to the west
central side of WBTRS. Three acreages are directly connected to the southwest and
northeast corners of WBTRS. A dirt road borders the southern end of the burn unit and
beyond that is a hay field and wetland. Further south lays the TransCanada highway.
Directly to the east of the burn unit is major grid road (Franks Lake Road) which has
medium to heavy traffic on it. Copper Sands Trailer Court is also directly east of the burn
unit. Table 1 lists values at risk directly connected to or directly adjacent to WBTRS.
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
20
Value at
Risk
Regina Wildlife
Federation
Acreage
Description of Value
Contact
Phone Number
Various building and
shooting ranges
Permanent Res.
House/outbuildings
Permanent Res.
House/outbuildings
Lyle Cattell
306-781-1580
J & G Larson
306-789-1310
Janet Kydd
Acreage
Permanent Res.
House/outbuildings
Joel Trapp
Acreage
Permanent Res.
House/outbuildings
David Madalen
Power Line
Three phase power line with
double wooden pole
structures
80+ house trailers and
outbuilding in Trailer Park
Sask. Power –
Ryan Blair
306-566-2216
Jaimey Midtdal
306-209-4212
Acreage
Copper Sands
Residential
Trailer Court
South
Acreages – subdivided with
Subdivision RM 12+ residence
of Edenwold
Stone Point
Estates RM of
Edenwold
Residence
Housing development 20+
residences
Pole Farm
Treated poles, small
building
Numerous residences and
outbuildings
CPR rail line
Acreages
Rail Line
Residence and outbuildings
Park Facilities
Each acreage to be
contacted in
person prior to
burn
Each residence to
be contacted prior
to burn
Dorothy Bronstein
306-781-4422
Sask. Power
306-566-2216
Various
CPR
306-777-0801
Dallas Chorneyko
306-332-3218
Distance and
Direction from
Burn Unit
< 500 m west of
burn unit
SW corner < 250 m
of burn unit
NE corner WBTRS
~1 km north of burn
unit
NE corner WBTRS
~ 1 km north of
burn unit
NE corner WBTRS
~ 1 km north of
burn unit
Runs diagonally
SW/NE through
middle of burn unit
< 500 m east of
burn unit east side
of grid road
~ 1 km west of
south end of burn
unit. West of road
running north/south
< 1 km southwest of
burn unit
~ 1 km north west
of burn unit
< 500 meters from
SE side of burn unit
~1.5 km north of
burn unit
< 1 km north of
burn unit
Within recreation
site. Located north
and west of burn
unit
Trail signs, snow fencing,
warm-up shelter, outdoor
restroom, maintenance
building, 3 strand barbed
wire fence perimeter
Table 1: Values at risk outside containment area/burn unit – see appendix 29.2.3 - RM of
Edenwold #158Map.
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
21
10.0 Prescription
10.1 Guards
10.1.1 Scheduling
Black lines (burnt guards) will be put in place on the exterior of the burn unit along the
north sides of sub units five, six, seven and the southwest side of eight. Existing roads and
trails along the west, south and east sides of the burn unit will act as guards for this part of
the burn. Black lines will be placed in the interior of sub units five through eight to a make
these sub units more manageable and allow for better control of the burn and to aid in the
total reduction of smoke that will be emitted by the fires. The three phase hydro line
running northeast and southwest through the interior of the burn unit will also be black lined
around each set of poles for its entire length.
Minimum guard widths will be five meters; however where heavier fuel concentration exits
wider guards (10 – 15m) will be put in place. The burning of the guards will be begin one
or two days before the burning of the sub units depending on the amount of time required to
complete them. The guards will be ignited at a time of day where fire behavior is at a
minimum to ensure ease of control and reduce the chance of an escape fire. This generally
occurs in the morning between 0800 and 1200 or evening between 1700 and 2000, however,
the conditions of a particular day may produce a fire environment where igniting of the
guards would be acceptable throughout the entire day.
10.1.2 Desired Fire Effects
The fire involved with guard burning will remove and blacken all available combustible fuel
to prevent the chance of a “reburn” during the burning of the sub units.
10.1.3 Synoptic Weather Conditions
A clear day with a light breeze of relatively constant wind direction and velocity within a
slightly unstable atmosphere to assist with vertical lifting and dispersal of smoke is
desirable.
10.1.4 Weather Parameters
The following weather parameters have been established for guard burning:
 Wind flows between 130o – 225o.
 10m wind speed between 5 to 15 kph is desired.
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
22





Sustained 10m wind speeds in excess of 20 kph will be deemed unsafe and
ignition will be suspended.
Relative humidity range from 25% to 50%.
Relative humidity below 20% will be deemed unsafe for burning fire guards.
Ambient air temperature range 10o to 25o C.
Firing operations will not be conducted within 12 hours of any known cold
frontal passage or of any forecasted thunderstorm activity.
Table 2 shows fire weather parameters acceptable for guard burning in the O-1a fuel type
(matted grass) which is 91-100% cured. These parameters will allow for the fire to meet
guard objectives as well as provide burning conditions which are controllable for the
holding crews in the event of an escape fire.
Rate of Spread (m/min) in O-1a 91-100% cured
Adjusted FFMC
Effective Wind Speed (kph)
0
5
10
15
20
3
3
6
9
11
84
3
6
6
9
14
85
3
6
9
11
18
86
3
9
11
14
21
87
6
9
11
18
24
88
9
11
14
21
27
89
9
14
18
24
34
90
11
14
21
30
40
91
14
18
24
34
59
92
18
21
30
40
67
93
Table 2: Fire weather parameters for guard burning in an O-1a fuel type.
25
14
18
24
27
30
37
43
50
59
67
30
30
34
40
46
56
67
67
81
93
103
Indicates equilibrium head fire rates of spread which can be safely controlled by
ground crews supported with mobile pumper units
Indicates equilibrium head fire rates of spread which are at the upper end of control for
ground crews supported with mobile pumper units
Indicates equilibrium head fire rates of spread which can or will jeopardize control for
ground crews supported with mobile pumper units
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
23
10.1.5 Fuel Conditions
Conditions of the O-1a fuel type are determined to be 91-100% cured at time of burn. Three
tonnes per hectare were used as a default fuel loading to represent higher end intensity for
fire behavior predictions in this fuel type. Duff Moisture Code (DMC) values between 40 –
60 will be used for fire behavior predictions (FBP).
10.1.6 Fire Behavior Parameters
Acceptable equilibrium head fire rates of spread between 3m/min to 11 m/min is considered
acceptable for maintaining safe conditions for burning of the guards. US and Australian
studies have shown that well-trained fire crews supported with mobile pumper units are able
to maintain control of grass fires burning at spread rates of up to 14 – 18m/min/crew.
Flame lengths at the edge of the fire guards will be kept to 1.0 meter or less. This is to
ensure control can be maintained and to reduce radiant heat exposure to fire suppression
personnel maintaining the guard. If, at any time, extreme fire behavior is observed (i.e. fire
whirls) the ignition of the guards will be suspended.
10.1.7 Stage of Vegetation Development Required to Meet Burn Objectives
Plant litter and last year’s carryover vegetation should be fully cured with a fuel moisture
content of 10 – 15%. Native plant growth should be in a very early stage of emergence or
be dormant. Cool season invasive exotics grasses such as smooth brome should be in four
leaf stage or greater.
10.2 Sub Units
10.2.1 Scheduling
The ignition of the sub units will be done between April 27th and May 22nd, 2015, weather
dependent. The sub units will be ignited at a time of day where fire behavior is most likely
to produce the desired fire effects. This generally occurs between 1000 and 1700 hours.
However, the conditions of a particular day may produce a fire environment where igniting
of the burn unit beyond these time parameters will also produce the desired fire effects.
10.2.2 Desired Fire Effects
The desired effects of the fire within the sub units is to burn with enough intensity and
resident flaming time to remove 90 - 100% of last year’s carryover debris in the O-1a fuel
type and to produce scorch heights of at least one meter on aspen stems.
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
24
10.2.3 Synoptic Weather Conditions
A clear day with a light breeze of relatively constant wind direction and velocity within a
slightly unstable atmosphere to assist with vertical lifting and dispersal of smoke is required.
10.2.4 Weather Parameters
The following weather parameters have been established for burning the sub units:
 Wind flows between 130o – 225o.
 10m wind speed between 5 to 15 kph is desired.
 Sustained 10m wind speeds in excess of 20 kph will be deemed unsafe and
ignition will be suspended. Sub units will either be allowed to burn out or
will be extinguished depending on the risk of escape. This will be
determined by Prescribed Fire Burn Boss / Incident Commander.
 Relative humidity range from 25% to 50%.
 Relative humidity below 18% will be deemed unsafe for burning the sub
units.
 Ambient air temperatures range 10o to 25o C.
 Firing operations will not be conducted within 12 hours of any known cold
frontal passage or of any forecasted thunderstorm activity.
Table 3 displays fire weather parameters acceptable for burning in the O-1a fuel type which
is 91-100% cured in the sub units. These parameters will allow the fire to meet the burn
objectives as well as provide burning conditions which are controllable for the holding
crews in the event of an escape fire. Higher rates of spread in the interior of the burn unit as
compared to guard burning are acceptable due to widen guards and the reinforcement of
previously burnt out sub units. If high rates of spread in the interior of the burn threaten
safety or pose a risk for escape the ignition patterns will be altered to slow the rates of
spread to less 18 meters per minute.
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
25
Rate of Spread (m/min) in O-1a 91-100% cured
Adjusted FFMC
Effective Wind Speed (kph)
0
5
10
15
20
3
3
6
9
11
84
3
6
6
9
14
85
3
6
9
11
18
86
3
9
11
14
21
87
6
9
11
18
24
88
9
11
14
21
27
89
9
14
18
24
34
90
11
14
21
30
40
91
14
18
24
34
59
92
18
21
30
40
67
93
Table 3: Fire weather parameters for the sub units in an O-1a fuel type.
25
14
18
24
27
30
37
43
50
59
67
30
30
34
40
46
56
67
67
81
93
103
Indicates equilibrium head fire rates of spread which can be safely controlled by
ground crews supported with mobile pumper units with a reinforced fire guard.
Indicates equilibrium head fire rates of spread which are at the upper end of control for
ground crews supported with mobile pumper units with a reinforced fire guard.
Indicates equilibrium head fire rates of spread which can or will jeopardize control for
ground crews supported with mobile pumper units.
10.2.5 Fuel Conditions
Conditions of the O-1a fuel type will be 91-100% cured. DMC values between 40 – 60 will
be used for FBP predictions where applicable. Three tonnes per hectare were used as a
default fuel loading for O-1a to represent the higher end intensity for fire behavior
predictions in an O-1a fuel type. It is preferred that the general fuel conditions of the sub
units will be dry and remain free of any significant amounts of precipitation for a period of
at least three to five days prior to ignition.
10.2.6 Fire Behavior Parameters
In the O-1a fuel type, acceptable equilibrium head fire rates of spread are between 5m/min
and 24m/min within the burn unit. As guards are widened, the interior of each sub unit can
be allowed to burn at the higher end of the yellow scale as identified in table 3. Flame
lengths in the interior of the sub units may exceed 2.5m with fire intensities estimated to be
around 2000 kW/m or higher.
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
26
If, at any time, extreme fire behavior is observed (i.e. fire whirls) the ignition of the sub
units will be suspended until burning conditions are more favorable.
Note: Under the discretion of the Prescribed Fire Burn Boss, portions in the middle of the
sub units may be allowed to burn beyond prescription parameters if guards have been
sufficiently reinforced with previously burned out sections.
10.2.7 Stage of Vegetation Development Required to Meet Burn Objectives
Carryover vegetation should be fully cured with a fuel moisture content of 10 – 15%.
Native plant growth should be in a very early stage of emergence or be dormant. Invasive
exotic cool season grasses should be in a four leaf stage or greater.
11.0 Prescribed Burn Monitoring on Burn Day
11.1 Weather Monitoring
11.1.1 Weather station (on site / off site)
The onsite monitoring of the weather will be done by assigned personnel using a “Kestrel
4500” hand held weather instrument.
The nearest permanent weather station is at the Regina Airport approximately 25 km west of
the burn unit. Nav. Canada identifier for Regina Weather Station is CYQR. The weather
station is operated by Environment Canada and can be accessed at
http://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/sk-32_metric_e.html . The Ministry of Environment,
Wildfire Management also maintains their own weather site and it can be accessed at
http://fmfpweb2.gos.ca/ .
11.1.2 Fire Weather Monitoring
Before and after the peak burning period (0800-1100 and 1800-2200) the weather will be
broadcast to prescribed burn personnel and recorded every hour. During the peak burning
period (1200-1700) the weather will be broadcast to prescribed burn personnel and recorded
every half hour. All weather monitoring criteria will be done according to the “Prescribed
Burn Monitoring Form-Weather and Fire Behavior Observations” document, (see appendix
29.1.1).
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
27
11.1.3 Spot Weather Forecasting
Spot weather forecasts for the day of the burn will be obtained through the Ministry of
Environment’s, Wildfire Management Branch’s weather section. A spot weather forecast
will be requested for 1100 and 1500 hours on the days fire guards are burned in and for each
day of the burning of the sub units.
11.2 Fire Behavior Monitoring
Fire behavior will be monitored throughout the burning of the fire guards and the sub units.
Fire behavior observations will be recorded every half hour using criteria outlined in the
“Prescribed Burn Monitoring Form-Weather and Fire Behavior Observations” document,
(see appendix 29.1.1).
11.3 Fire Effects Monitoring
11.3.1 Vegetation Effects
The fire’s effect on the vegetation contained within the sub units will be constantly
evaluated to ensure the burn is meeting the objectives, specifically to ensure the fire’s
intensity and severity are sufficient for the removal of the above ground herbaceous plant
material and to attain desired scorch heights on shrub and tree stems.
11.3.2 Species at Risk Fire Effects
There are no known species at risk contained within the sub units.
11.3.3 Fire Severity Mapping
Fire severity will be monitored throughout the burning of the burn unit. Specific areas /
locations where fire severity differs will be recorded.
11.3.4 Vegetation Mortality Assessment
Mortality of vegetation will be assessed throughout the burning operation to ensure
objectives are being met. The assessment will be done by visual estimation based on the
percentage material removed and by scorch heights on tree stems and shrubs. A more
comprehensive assessment will take place after burn has been completed.
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
28
12.0 Pre-Burn Unit Preparation
12.1 Burn Unit Perimeter Confirmation
The original burn unit perimeter was established using aerial photos, collection of GPS track
logs and ground truthed by Glen Longpre and Michel Tremblay in the fall of 2013 and
2014.
12.2 Pre-Guard Development
Mow lines were established along the north, south and west sides of the sub units as well
within the sub units to separate them in October of 2014. Each set of power poles were
mowed around in October of 2014 for the entire length of the three phase power line
occurring within the burn unit.
12.3 Containment Area Confirmation
The containment area perimeter was established using photo images and with a field
assessment by Glen Longpre in the fall of 2013 and reconfirmed in fall of 2014.
12.4 Water Source Identification
The primary water source used for this burn will be from local surface water ponds and
sloughs in WBRTS, and from a borrow pits on private lands adjacent to west side of
WBTRS, (see Burn Unit and Containment Area Map - appendix 29.2.1).
12.5 Photo Plot Establishment
There will be a minimum of six to eight photo plots randomly established within the burn
unit in April of 2014 and 2015 prior to the burn. These photo plots will be GPS’d and
marked with a metal rebar stake pounded in the ground for future reference. The photo plots
will be used to record changes in vegetation and burn effects over next three to ten years.
12.6 Fuels Data Collection
Collection of fuel data was obtained through visual estimation and selecting best
representative FBP fuel types. It is estimated the average sub unit’s fuel loading is
approximately 1.5 to 5 tonnes per hectare. There will be no formal data collected on this
fuel with regards to exact fuel loading or moisture content.
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
29
12.7 GPS Data Collection
GPS track logs were collected by Glen Longpre in the fall of 2013 and 2014. Mapping was
done by Landscape Protection Unit in Regina.
13.0 Ignition Plan
13.1 Guards
13.1.1 Organizational Requirements
For igniting the guards the organizational requirements will be as per the following flow
chart:
Figure 3: Ground ignition unit organization for guard burning (black lining).
The Firing Boss will be responsible for the supervision and safety of the igniters. He / she
will work with the Holding Specialist / Operations Section Chief and the Prescribed Fire
Burn Boss to determine appropriate ignition patterns and sequences.
In most cases, only two igniters will be used at any one time, however a third igniter maybe
rotated in to keep fatigue and exposure from smoke / heat at acceptable levels. The igniter
not actively lighting fire will ensure the hand drip torches not being used are full of fuel and
in serviceable condition ready to replace empty or unserviceable torches.
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
30
13.1.2 Resource Requirements
RESOURCE
Firing Boss
Igniters
Hand Drip Torches
Lighters
ATV /w Trailer
5 lb ABC Fire Extinguisher
Full leather welding gloves
Ear/neck shroud
20 litre Jerry Can
King Radios/FTR Radios
QUANT.
1
3
6
4
1
1
4
4
4
4/4
USE
Supervise igniters
Ignition/service ignition equipment
Potentially 3 used simultaneously and 3 spares
Light drip torches
Carry fuel / torches / water / fire extinguisher
firefighting hand tools
Put out torch fuel or malfunctioning torch
All ignition personnel
All ignition personnel
Contain drip torch fuel
Ignition personnel
Table 4: Resource requirements for guard ignition.
13.1.3 Ignition Methods and Devices
The hand drip torch will be the primary ignition device, using a strip, spot, serpentine or
combination of these firing patterns to create heading, backing, and flanking fires in the
guards.
13.1.4 Ignition Patterns
Starting on the downwind side of each guard, using hand drip torches, a strip ignition
pattern will be used to ignite fuel against the downwind fire guard (i.e. foam line, wet line).
The first strip will be lit no more than one meter from the downwind guard. The heading
fire will be allowed to spread into the guard (foam / wet line) before the next fire lines are lit
so as not to create too much intensity along the downwind side of the guard. The backing
fire will be allowed to continue to spread while successive lines are lit to burn out the fuel to
the upwind side of the guard. Successive fire lines should not be lit until the previous firing
line has burned down. Width of successive firing lines should not exceed the distance of the
blackened area in front of them. This process will be repeated on all exterior guards on the
north, west and southwest sides of the sub units. Interior black lining within each sub unit
will be conducted in the same manner as for the exterior black lining operation. Flame
lengths will not be allowed to be more than one m in length when firing directly against the
downwind guard perimeters or exceed 1.5 meters in the interior of the guards.
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
31
13.1.5 Ignition Limitations
Guards will not be ignited in any adverse weather conditions such as sustained winds over
20 kph, or within 12 hours of any thunderstorm activity, or frontal passages which can cause
sudden and erratic wind shifts. Guard burning will also avoid areas of heavy fuel loading
(jackpots) and / or dangerous topographical features such as steep slopes.
13.1.6 Emergency Cease Firing Protocol
In the event of an emergency, ignition will be halted immediately. The signal to cease fire
will include a radio broadcast of, “CEASE FIRE, CEASE FIRE, CEASE FIRE” to ground
ignition unit personnel as well as the hand signal of moving the open hand across the throat
in the event radio contact cannot be made.
If a cease fire is called depending on the nature of the call, all active fire on the guards will
be extinguished as soon as possible and personnel will wait for instruction from the Holding
Specialist or Prescribed Fire Burn Boss.
Emergencies that would require a cease fire include, but are not limited to, severe injury of
personnel, the occurrence of an escape fire, and / or incapacity to control current fire activity
due to equipment becoming unserviceable.
13.1.7 Test Fire Requirements
Before proceeding with guard burning, secure fire barriers will be put in place in
representative fuel types and a test fire will be ignited. Fire behavior will be observed and
used to determine whether or not to proceed with full guard burning operations.
The GO / NO GO check sheet must be completed by the Prescribed Fire Burn Boss and
support the ignition prior to igniting of the guards.
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
32
13.2 Sub Units
13.2.1 Organizational Requirements
The organizational requirements for igniting the sub units are identified in the following
flow chart:
Figure 4: Ground Ignition Unit Organization for Sub Units
The Firing Boss will be responsible for the supervision and safety of the igniters. He / she
will work with the Holding Specialist and / or the Prescribed Fire Burn Boss to determine
appropriate ignition patterns and sequences.
Four igniters will be used to burn each sub unit. Two or three narrow strip head fires will be
lit against the downwind guards to initiate the burn in each sub unit. Once the downwind
guard has been widened sufficiently, the last head strip fire will be left burning as a backfire.
Igniters will work in pairs in a parallel fashion along the downwind flanks of each sub unit
to complete the next phase of the burnout operations. As the flank fires on each side of the
sub units are lit, flares will be launched into the middle of the sub unit to assist with burning
out this area. At the rear of each sub unit only two igniters will be used to complete this
phase to ensure no one is situated in the interior of the burn and to allow for better
coordination and safety of the igniters. The igniters not actively lighting fire line will ensure
the hand drip torches not being used are full of fuel and in serviceable condition ready to
replace empty or unserviceable torches and to prepare for the next sub unit burning
operation.
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
33
13.2.2 Resource Requirements
RESOURCE
Firing Boss
Igniter
Hand drip torches
Pyroshot gun / Flare gun
Bic lighters
ATV /w trailer
QUANT.
1
4
8
1/1
6
1
5 lb fire ABC fire extinguisher
Ear and neck shrouds
Leather welding gloves
20 litre Jerry Can
King Radios/FTR Radios
1
5
5
8
5/5
USE
Supervise igniters
Ignition/service ignition equipment
Ignition of black lines and sub units
Ignition of interior of sub units
Light drip torches
Carry fuel / torches / water / fire
extinguisher / firefighting hand tools
Put out torch fuel and malfunctioning
torches
Ignition personnel
Ignition personnel
Contain drip torch fuel
Ignition personnel
Table 5: Resource requirements for sub unit ignition.
13.2.3 Ignition Methods and Devices
The hand drip torch will be the primary ignition device used, however it may be assisted
with a pyroshot gun and flare gun. In the O-1a and D-1 fuel types a combination of strip
firing will be used to create heading, backing and flanking fires. Spot and flank ignition
techniques and head fire spacing will be used to control fire intensities on the interior of the
sub unit firing lines.
13.2.4 Ignition Patterns
Based on the current conditions of the day and the present and predicted fire behavior,
combinations of backing fires, heading fires, and flanking fires may be used to achieve burn
objectives. The first sub unit to be lit will be the furthest downwind location with firing
operations taking place perpendicular to the main wind flow. It is anticipated the north end
of the burn unit will be burnt off first. Sub units five and seven will be the first areas to be
burned off; this will ensure there is a sufficiently widened black area to the north prior to
burning the other sub units. Sub unit eight will be next for burning. Burning of sub units
will be determined by which way the wind is coming from. The protocol which will be
followed will be to burn each sub unit which is in the most downwind direction from the
next. The exception will be that sub unit eight will be burned before sub unit seven due to
values at risk adjacent to the southwest corner of the sub unit. Burning of sub unit eight
before sub unit seven will provide added protection to these properties as well anchor this
end of the burn unit. Sub unit six will be burnt last.
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
34
Ignition of each sub unit will be initiated on the furthest downwind side using a narrow strip
heading fire perpendicular to the wind flow to widen out the downwind guards. The
heading fire will be allowed to burn and become a backing fire. Successive strips of
heading fire will be laid upwind of each previous strip. The first three or four heading fires
should not exceed one or two times the width of blackened area in front of them. Flanking
fires along the sub unit perimeters will be coordinated with the progression of the interior
strip heading fires to ensure the sides of the sub unit are sealed off and containment of fire
can be maintained. Successive heading fires should not be lit until the previous firing line
has died down to ensure head fire intensity is not allowed to build up. Once a safe distance
of approximately 50 to 100 meters have been established, the sub unit will be ring fired and
flares launched into the interior to assist with interior burning.
Depending of the size of the sub units and especially on the large ones, once the downwind
side of the sub unit has been blackened to an acceptable distance the interior may be burned
off using a serious of flanking fires (four to six flanking strips) lit parallel with the wind
flow across the width of the sub unit and then tying upwind perimeter of the sub unit in by
laying a final strip heading fire perpendicular to the wind against the upwind guard.
The actual firing patterns may be modified on the day of the burn depending on fuel loads,
topographic features such as small knolls and localized wind flows, however the firing
patterns identified within the plan will be the ones utilized.
13.2.5 Ignition Limitations
The sub units will not be ignited in any adverse weather conditions such as sustained winds
over 20 kph, within 12 hours of any known thunderstorm activity or frontal passages which
can cause sudden and erratic wind shifts. The ground ignition patterns will be limited to
areas which ensure igniters are not igniting in heavy fuel loads, flashy fuels or where
topography (i.e. extremely steep slopes) poses a fire behavior risk as this may limit escape
mobility of crews. Hand ignition using drip torches will avoid heavily tangled dead plant
materials to ensure mobility of igniters is not impeded.
13.2.6 Emergency Cease Firing Protocol
In the event of an emergency, ignition will be halted immediately. The signal to cease fire
will include a radio broadcast of, “CEASE FIRE, CEASE FIRE,CEASE FIRE” to ground
ignition personnel as well as the hand signal of moving the open hand across the throat in
the direction of the igniters in the event radio contact cannot be made.
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
35
In the event of a cease fire all active fire on the landscape will be controlled and allowed to
burn out unless an escaped fire is eminent in which case the fire will be extinguished as
soon as possible. Instruction will be provided by the Holding Specialist or Prescribed Fire
Burn Boss.
Emergencies that would require a cease fire include, but are not limited to, severe injury of
personnel, the occurrence of an escape fire and / or incapacity to control current fire activity
due to equipment becoming unserviceable.
13.2.7 Test Fire Requirements
Before proceeding with the burning operations, a test fire will be ignited with sufficient
suppression equipment in place and in a downwind section of the sub unit close to the
guard. Fire behavior will be observed and used to determine whether or not to proceed.
The GO / NO GO check sheet must be completed by the Prescribed Fire Burn Boss and
support the ignition prior to igniting of the sub units.
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
36
14.0 Holding Plan
14.1 Guards
14.1.1 Organizational Requirements
For holding the guards the organizational requirements will be as per the following flow
chart:
Figure 5: Guard holding organization
Prescribed Fire Burn Boss is responsible for overseeing the guard burning, directing the
Firing Boss and overall safety for the operation. Holding Specialist is responsible for the
tactical supervision of the Task Force Leaders and ensuring the guard containment goes
according to plan. The Holding Specialist is also responsible for the operational response to
an escape fire. The Holding Specialist must be familiar with the surrounding area and be
able to put an effective operational response together to immediately address any escape
fire, spot fires or slop over fires.
Task Force 1:
This Task Force will receive instruction from Task Force Leader 1 who is responsible for
the tactical supervision of this Task Force in containing the active downwind fire for guard
burning. Wildland fire engine foam unit 1 is responsible for establishing the exterior fire
barriers on downwind side of guard. Pumper unit 1 following the wildland fire engine foam
unit 1 and is responsible for extinguishing the fires edge along the downwind guard. Hand
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
37
tool crew 1 will follow up behind pumper unit 1 to ensure the perimeter is secure; respond
to slop over or spot fires and to monitor the guard until it is completed. Once the guards are
completed Task Force 1 will mop up and fully extinguish guards prior to any interior
burning. Water tender 1 or 2 will be used to supply the Task Force with water. If an escape
fire needs more resources than what Task Force 1 has, resources from Task Force 2 can be
reassigned if the holding requirements for ignition are not compromised.
Task Force 2:
This Task Force will receive instruction from Task Force Leader 2 who is responsible for
the tactical supervision of controlling the fire on the upwind side of the fire guard. Wildland
fire engine foam unit 2 will lay the upwind foam line or wet line for control. Pumper unit 2
will follow up wildland fire engine foam unit 2 and extinguish the fires edge on the upwind
side of the guard including mopping up once the guard is completed. Hand tool crew 2 will
follow pumper unit 2 and put out any burning material along or close to the edge of the
guard. Pumper unit 3 may be placed in a standby mode to assist in mop up however will
maintain a state of readiness in the event of a spot fire or escape fire. Pumper unit 3 can
also be used to replace / support pumper units in Task Force 1 or 2.
Task Force 2 is also responsible to assist with mop up, patrolling for and reacting to any
slop over or spot fires, and supporting Task Force 1 if needed (i.e. rotation in and out of
pumper units, backing up any equipment that may go unserviceable). Once the guards are
complete mop up will be the responsibilities of both Task Forces to complete.
14.1.2 Resource Requirements
RESOURCE
Holding Specialist (OSC)
Task Force Leader
Type I firefighter
Type II firefighter
Parks Division firefighter
Wildland Engine HE Foam
Pumper Unit HE/In-line
Foam
Water Tender
50 man mobile cache
ATV/w Trailer
Honda Trash pump
King Radio/FTR Radios
QUANT.
1
2
8
10
4
2
3
2
1
3
2
25 / 12
USE
Supervise tactical burning/escaped fire ops
Tactical supervision of task forces
Operate foam units / pumper units / mop up
Patrol / mop up Hand Crew
Operate pumper units/mop up
Create fire barriers for guard burning
Create fire barriers for guard burning
Supporting foam units / initial attack / mop up
Supply water to pumper unit and engines
Supply hand crews / back up resources
Carry hand tools, water packs / Ops Chief
Fill water tenders
Operations/Ignition Unit
Table 6: Resource requirements for guard holding.
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
38
All wildland engine foam units and the pumper units are required to be functionally
complete (including pump gas and a minimum combination of 1000ft 1 1/2” and 1” fire
hose, with a minimum of six 25-50 foot fire hose lengths) and are completely serviceable.
The foam / pumper units must have a minimum 125 gal. water carrying capacity and be
capable of charging a 25 foot fire hose to a minimum of 50 psi. Water tenders should have a
minimum 1000 gallon water carrying capacity, are functionally complete with pump, fill
lines, nozzles and include an operator.
The 50 man mobile fire cache is required to have a minimum of two chainsaws, chainsaw
fuel and chain oil, four MKIII pumps complete, four high pressure floto pumps complete
and pump gas and a combination of a minimum 6000feet 1 ½” and 1” fire hose. As well,
the cache is required to contain a minimum of 30 grassland firefighting hand tools such as
fire shovels, fire brooms, pulaskis, and / or Macleod tools. The cache must also contain a
minimum of 15 soft / hard water packs complete with hand spray pumps.
Trash Pumps will be used to fill tenders. Trash Pumps must be complete with pump gas and
a minimum 100ft of 1 ½ or 2 inch hose with a nozzle.
MKIII pumps and all other fire pumps are required to be complete with tool kits and pump
fuel.
14.1.3 Establishing Guards
Guards will be established prior to the ignition of the sub units. The black line guards will
be established in O-1a fuel adjacent to the sub units on the north, west and southwest
boundaries of the burn. Black lines guards will also be put in place on each of the four sub
units where there are no man made breaks such as roads or bladed trails. The south and east
side of the sub units are guarded by municipal roads. Along the west side of the sub units
there is a bladed trail running from the north east to the southwest side of the recreation site.
Figure 7 on page 45 shows map of the burn boundary and sub units.
14.1.4 Perimeter Control for Guards
The distance between the interior and exterior fire barriers (which determines the width of
the black line/guards) will be established based on the fuel type and fuel height in that area.
The minimum width of the black lines will be approximately five meters in shorter fuels and
may be as wide as 10 to 15 meters in taller shrub fuels and adjacent to aspen stands. The
width of the black line will provide confidence that the perimeter is secure and will be able
to stop any approaching head fire from within a sub unit. This will ensure ease of perimeter
control for the holding crews during the burning of the sub units.
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
39
14.1.5 Containment area
The boundary of the containment area is shown on the burn unit and containment area map,
(see Figure 8, page 46). If fire gets into the containment area or breeches the external fire
barrier during guard burning it will be immediately suppressed and extinguished.
14.1.6 Management Considerations
If fire were to breech an internal fire guard in one of the sub units, the Prescribed Fire Burn
Boss may choose to let the fire spread into the next sub unit. However, unless otherwise
directed from Parks Division any fire that breeches any barrier during guard burning will be
immediately extinguished.
In order to reduce environmental impact, heavy vehicles will be kept from using the same
path repeatedly. Different paths for lighter vehicles will also be used to avoid cutting tracks.
Holding / suppression activity with high pressure hose lines will take every precaution to
avoid ripping the ground with high pressure streams of water. All vehicles will stay clear of
soft exposed sandy areas and avoid spinning tires.
All vehicles and equipment used on the burn operation must be cleaned and washed to
ensure exotic invasive plant seeds and / or propogules are not introduced into the recreation
site or taken out.
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
40
14.2 Sub Units
14.2.1 Organizational Requirements
For burning the sub units the organizational requirements will be as per the following flow
chart:
Figure 6: Sub Unit holding organization
Prescribed Fire Burn Boss is responsible for the oversight and safety of the prescribed burn
operation and directing the Firing Boss. The Holding Specialist is responsible for the
tactical supervision of the Task Force Leaders and ensuring the sub unit containment goes
according to plan.
The Holding Specialist is responsible for the immediate operational response to an escape
fire. The Holding Specialist must be familiar with the surrounding area, values risk in and
around burn and access routes to get to various locations within the WBTRS and
surrounding area. The holding team must be able to interact and coordinate with municipal
fire departments if they are on site.
Task Force1 / 2:
These Task Forces will receive instruction from the Task Force Leaders who are responsible
for the tactical supervision in containing all fire to the interior of the sub unit boundaries.
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
41
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
The Task Forces are responsible to initial attack any slop over or spot fire occurring in an
area where it is not permitted and to respond to any escape fire.
For the burning operation the Task Forces will work along the perimeter ensuring units are
prepositioned in locations so that any fire threatening the guards can be quickly direct
attacked. The hand tool crews are responsible for patrolling the perimeter, mopping up,
reacting to and extinguishing any fire outside the sub unit boundaries. The hand tool crews
will be supported by the pumper units. The water tenders are responsible for supplying
water to the task forces and pumper units.
14.2.2 Resource Requirements
RESOURCE
Prescribed Fire Burn Boss
Holding Specialist
Operations Section Chief
Task Force Leader
Type I firefighter
Type II firefighter
Ground Ignition Unit
Parks Personnel
Wildfire Engine HE Foam
Unit
Pumper Units HE Foam
Water Tender
Ignition Equip. drip torches
Pyroshot gun/flare gun
50 man mobile cache
ATV/w Trailer
Honda Trash pump
2500 gallon bladder
King Radios/FTR Radios
QUANT.
1
1
2
8
10
5
4
2
4
2
8
1/1
1
3
2
1
31 / 15
USE
Oversee and direct entire burn operations
Supervise and direct suppression personnel
and ground ignition unit
Tactical supervision of task forces
Operate foam / pumper units / ATV
Patrol/ mop up / hand tool crews
Conducting burning operations
Command, operational and security roles
For initial attacked and maintaining perimeter
control
For initial attack / maintaining perimeter
control / mop up
Supply water to wildland fire engines and
pumper units
Lighting fire
Lighting fire
Supply fire equipment
Carry firefighting hand tools, water packs,
Fill water tenders
Water supply storage and for refilling
Operations / ignition personnel
Table 7: Resource requirements for sub unit holding.
All wildland engine foam units and the pumper units are required to be functionally
complete (including pump gas and a minimum 1000ft 1 1/2” and 1” fire hose and have a
minimum of six 25-50 foot fire hose lengths) and are fully serviceable. The foam / pumper
units must have a minimum 150 gal. / 125 gal. water carrying capacity respectively and be
capable of charging a 25 foot hose line to a minimum of 50 to 75 psi. Water tenders should
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
42
have a minimum 1000 gal. water carrying capacity, are functionally complete with pump,
fill lines, nozzles and include an operator.
The 50 man mobile fire cache is required to have a minimum of two chainsaws, chainsaw
fuel and chain oil, four MKIII pumps complete, four high pressure floto pumps with kits and
pump gas and a minimum 6000 feet 1 ½” and 1” fire hose. As well, the cache is required to
contain a minimum of 30 grassland firefighting hand tools such as fire shovels, fire brooms,
pulaskis, and/or Macleod tools. The cache must also contain a minimum of 15 soft / hard
water packs complete with hand spray pumps.
Trash Pumps will be used to fill water tenders. If using a trash pump it must be complete
with pump gas and a minimum 100ft of 1 ½ or 2 inch hose and nozzles or drop tubes.
14.2.3 Establishing and Maintaining Guards on Sub Units
Guards will be established prior to the ignition of the sub units. The guards will be
reinforced with pumper units, foam / wet lines, and hand tool crews during the burning of
each of the guards. Figure 7 on page 45 show map of burn unit and subunits.
14.2.4 Perimeter Control for Sub units
During the burning of the sub units, pumper units will work in close proximity to the guards
ensuring fire threatening the perimeter is controlled by direct attack. Hand tool crews will
patrol the perimeter and suppress any fire outside the sub unit boundaries. They will also be
able to assist in the event fire behavior is threatening the guard. Wildland fire engines,
pumper units will be prepositioned to be able to react quickly in support of an escape fire.
Task Force 1 and Task Force 2 will be arranged in the same configuration as was used for
the guard holding. Task Force 1 will assume control for the downwind side of each sub
unit, while Task Force 2 will assume control for the upwind side of each sub unit.
14.2.5 Containment area
The boundary of the containment area is shown on the containment area map, (figure 8 on
page 46). If fire spots into the containment area or breeches the guards of the sub unit it will
be immediately suppressed and extinguished. In the event fire were to spot or spread
outside the containment area initial attack and full suppression will immediately take place.
14.2.6 Management Considerations
If fire were to breech a guard the Prescribed Fire Burn Boss may choose to let the fire
spread, under control, in the containment area and choose alternate suppression tactics if the
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
43
fire is deemed to be accomplishing objectives of potential future prescribed fires. However,
it must be clear, that unless otherwise directed from Parks Division, any fire that breeches
any guard during the burning of the sub units will be immediately extinguished.
In order to reduce environmental impact, heavy vehicles will be kept from using the same
path repeatedly. Different paths for lighter vehicles will also be used to avoid cutting tracks.
Holding / suppression activity with high pressure hose lines will take precaution to avoid
ripping the ground with streams of water. All vehicles will stay clear of soft exposed sandy
areas and avoid spinning tires. Also, whenever possible, fire hoses will avoid being dragged
over the ground in sensitive areas.
All vehicles and equipment used on the burn operation must be cleaned and washed to
ensure exotic invasive plant seeds and/or propogules are not introduced in to the recreation
site or taken out.
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
44
Figure 7: Layout of Burn Unit showing locations of the eight Sub Units.
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
45
Figure 8: White Butte Prescribed Burn showing surrounding area and Burn unit in red/blue
and Containment Area in yellow.
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
46
15.0 Mop-Up / Patrol Plan
15.1 Mop-Up / Patrol Requirements
Guards are to be 100% mopped up during the same operational period as the guard burning
operation takes place and prior to burning of any of the sub units. Perimeter sections of the
sub units are to be 100% mopped up and all burning snags taken down within 30m of the
perimeter as soon as practical and safe to do so. Patrol of the perimeter will be continuous
throughout the burning operation and complete mop-up of the fire’s edge will proceed for a
minimum of 30 to 100 m in to the sub units or otherwise directed by the Prescribed Fire
Burn Boss.
15.2 Infrared Scanning Requirements
Require that all the area within a minimum of 30 to 100 meters of the perimeter be scanned
with a handheld scanner if one is available.
15.3 Turn-Over Procedure
Once the perimeter sections have been 100% mopped up, all snags taken down, there is no
more visible smoke, and the area within 100 m of the perimeter has been scanned or
confirmed out, the burn can then be turned over to park staff for continued patrol and mopup in the middle sections if necessary. Essentially on turnover to park personnel the entire
burn area will be put out.
16.0 Contingency Plan
16.1 Escaped Fire
Any fire occurring outside the sub unit boundaries will be reported immediately to the
Prescribed Fire Burn Boss. Based on current and expected fire behavior the Prescribed Fire
Burn Boss will decide on course of action. Resources will be deployed and / or reassigned
to control and suppress the escape fire. If adequate resources are available, ignition of the
sub units will be halted and ground ignition unit will be put on standby until the escape fire
has been contained and extinguished. If the incident requires that all resources on the burn
be involved in suppression then the ignition operation will cease entirely and the ground
ignition unit members will secure their equipment and take on a suppression role. A
wildfire will only be declared if the escape fire is deemed by the Prescribed Fire Burn Boss
to be beyond control and containment with the available resources.
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
47
If a wildfire occurs, on-site Wildfire Management (WFM) staff and Park Division staff will
work the wildfire in a unified command structure. The most experienced, trained and
qualified individual on site will assume the Incident Commander role for wildfire operation.
Resources will be assigned and additional resources ordered if needed by calling the
Regional Duty Officer at 953-3406. The wildfire will be actioned in accordance with
Wildfire Management Branch standard operating policies and procedures. Balgonie, White
City and Pilot Butte Fire Departments will likely be the most readily available resource and
will be contacted through 911. Municipal resources will fall into the ICS organization
which will be utilized to manage a wildfire incident. All adjacent landowners within 3 km
of the downwind side of the escaped fire will be contacted as soon as practical by Park
Supervisor.
16.2 Triggers to Determine Wildfire Status
If, at any time, a fire occurring outside the guards of the sub units is deemed by the
Prescribed Fire Burn Boss to be beyond suppression or containment with the available
resources, a wildfire will be declared. As well, any fire occurring outside the containment
area that cannot be contained will be considered a wildfire. In addition, if a value is being
directly threatened, the fire threatening that value will be actioned as a wildfire.
16.3 Emergency Contacts
Local Fire Departments, RCMP, and emergency management services can be contacted
using 911.
Conservation Officers can be contacted through the Provincial Dispatch Center at 306-9532991.
In the event of a wildfire the Prescribed Fire Burn Boss will contact the Regional Duty
Officer at 306-953-3406; Dallas Chorneyko, Park Supervisor at 306-332-3218 or by cell at
306-332-7814 and Kathie McFarland, Park Area Manager at 306-787-9114 or by cell at
306-520-4750.
16.4 Transfer of Command
In the event of a wildfire a unified command structure will be formed with WFM, SPD and
municipal fire departments. The wildfire will be organized using the Incident Command
structure currently in practice with WFM.
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
48
17.0 Smoke Management Plan
17.1 Smoke Management on Site
Smoke will be managed on sub units by several mitigating measures. Every effort will be
made to carry out burn operations when atmospheric conditions are such that smoke will be
lifted to a minimum mixing height of 500ft. The burn will be conducted only when there is
a wind flow coming from a southeast, south or south west direction.
The 2014 burn unit has been sub divided in to eight smaller sub units. In 2015, sub units
five to eight are the only sub units to be burned. These sub units may be further sub divided
to aid with control and minimize the chance of an escaped fire. Smaller sub units will allow
burning to be timed to work more effectively with slight wind shifts and reduce the time
smoke will be put in the atmosphere as compared to one larger burn. Smaller sub units also
allow for more options to utilize burn patterns that can minimize smoke output. Use of
backing fires will be used where possible. Large free running head fires will not be used.
Prescribed burn personnel working in direct smoke will be rotated in and out on as required
to ensure firefighters are minimized to the effect of heavy smoke.
17.2 Downwind Affected Areas
The town of Pilot Butte and the subdivisions directly west including the Regina Wildlife
Federations buildings and shooting ranges; trailer park directly to the east and numerous
acreages and farm yards within three kilometer to the northwest, north and northeast of the
burn will most likely be affected by smoke.
17.3 Mitigation Measures
By carrying out burn operations when winds are 20 kph or less and when atmospheric
conditions allow for good vertical lifting above 500 feet or more will minimize smoke to
downwind areas.
18.0 Safety Plan
18.1 Briefings
All participants on the prescribed burn operation will be briefed each morning during the
operational meeting. The briefing will include:
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
49
1. Introduction of members and their roles and positions on the burn. On subsequent
mornings only new people arriving at the burn need be introduced.
2. Review objectives and limitations
3. Review fire prescription
4. Review ignition / holding plan
- Objectives
- Potential problems
- Crew and equipment assignments
- Methods, devices, and patterns to be used for ignition
- Point out / review physical boundary of burn unit and its sub units
- Review cease fire protocol
5. Review contingency plan
- Locations of values at risk
- Problem areas
- Secondary containment lines and control points
- Point out / review physical boundary of containment zone
- Review expected response to fire in and out of containment zone and to
wildfires
- Review triggers for wildfire status and cease fires
6. Assure primary positions receive copies of maps, instructions, fire plans
7. Review safety plan
- Identify medical aid personnel and first aid locations
- Review and discuss LACES
- Discuss evacuation procedures and rendezvous locations
- Identify hazards and discuss safety procedures required deal with hazards
8. Review communications plan and radio assignments
9. Review fire weather
- Current and predicted Fire Weather Indices
- Current weather observations and predicted weather from spot forecasts
- Review who is monitoring weather and when weather updates will be
broadcast
10. After action review (post-burn)
- Debrief surrounding a variety of aspects of the prescribed burn
- Provide recommendations to improve future prescribed burn operations
- Identify and address any safety issues
18.2 LACES
LACES are to be adhered to at all times during the entire burn operations. Supervisors are to
review with their assigned personnel and will ensure everyone knows where their escape
routes and safety zones are at all times.
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
50
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
Lookouts – personnel in charge of supervision and fire behavior monitoring will act as
lookouts and report any inherent dangers.
Anchor Points – Ignition patterns will always begin from an established black line or secure
fire barrier.
Communications – All communications will be done according to the predetermined
communications plan, (see section 21.1 of prescribed burn plan).
Escape Routes – Escape routes include any safe line of travel into a blackened area or onto a
roadway or wetted area and must be timed to the slowest individual on the crew.
Safety Zones – Any blackened area or an area devoid of vegetation of sufficient size so
crews will not be injured from radiant heat or flame impingement from fire. Roadways of
sufficient width can act as a safety zone.
18.3 On Site Evacuation Procedures
If evacuation is necessary personnel will proceed to the upwind parking lots either at the
south west or north east end of the recreation site where further instruction will be provided
by the Prescribed Fire Burn Boss. Personnel not able to make it to the rendezvous point
must contact other prescribed burn personnel and report their location.
18.4 Signage Requirements
Road closure barricades, road closure signs and prescribed burn in progress signs will be
placed at the each of the four corners of the recreation site along municipal roads. In
addition at least two corners will be manned to ensure only necessary traffic is allowed
through. The two parking lots on the recreation site, one on the southwest corner and one
on the north east corner will be closed down and signed to ensure public have no access to
them. All other foot access points will be signed. Electronic signs will be placed along the
number one highway to notified traffic along this corridor that a burn is in progress.
18.5 Public Safety
The public will be informed of the burn as outlined in the communications plan, (section
21.2 of prescribed burn plan). No public access to the burn unit will be allowed during
burning operations. Public and other individuals (i.e. media) may gain access to the burn
unit only with a guided tour arranged through Prescribed Fire Burn Boss or through an
assigned Communications Officer.
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
51
18.6 Authorized Personnel on Burn Unit Only
Only trained and qualified personnel will be permitted on the burn unit during firing
operations and when active fire suppression activities are taking place. No one else will be
allowed onsite.
18.7 Hydro Line Safety
There is three phase hydro line running diagonally through the center portion of the burn
unit. The hydro line runs in northeast/southwest direction. The structures supporting this
line are wooden poles that will have to be pretreated prior to the burn. Vegetation at the
base of the poles will need to be mowed for at least two meters around each pole.
Fire personnel must also take caution when applying water around the power line. Water is
not to be directed up at the overhead lines or above head level. Heavy smoke created from
the burn can also act as a conductor if it comes in contact with the live power lines.
Electrical current can travel through water vapor and particulate in the smoke and cause
serious bodily harm or death to fire personnel working below the overhead line. If heavy
concentrations of smoke are passing through the overhead lines personnel are to maintain at
least 30 meter distance from the power line. Once the smoke has subsided, crews will be
allowed to resume firefighting activities closer to the power lines.
18.8 Provincial Highway Safety
The burn should not directly impact the Trans-Canada Highway.
18.9 Area Closures
The White Butte Trails Recreation Site will be closed down to all public during the entire
burn operations. Only authorized personnel directly associated with the burn will be
allowed access to the site. The Regina Wildlife Federation facilities directly west of the
burn unit will also be asked to shut their facilities down during the active burning phase of
the operation.
19.0 Prescribed Burn Complexity Rating
The White Butte Prescribed Burn has been assessed through the Parks Division Prescribed
Burn Complexity Rating Guide. Rating for the prescribed burn was established as a high
level burn (scored value of 85) requiring at minimum a Type 1 Incident Commander to
oversee this prescribed burn operation, (see appendix 29.1.3).
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
52
20.0 Medical Plan
Table 8: Medical Plan for White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn. Additional copies and
direction to hospitals from White Butte Trails Recreation Site can be found in appendix
29.3.1.
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
53
21.0 Incident Communications Plan
21.1 Radio Frequencies Assigned to Prescribed Burn Operations
Table 9: Radio Communications Plan for the White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn.
Additional copies can be found in appendix 29.3.2.
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
54
21.2 Public / Media Communications Plan
Method of News
Release
News Paper –
SPD
Communications
Branch to prepare.
LPU to coordinate
Radio – SPD
Communications
Branch to prepare.
LPU to coordinate
Echo Valley
Admin Office to
provide
Interpretive
materials
Echo Valley
Admin Office to
provide notice
Pre-Burn
News article to be
release one week prior
to implementation of
burn in local
newspapers. Tentative
release date April 27,
2015.
Public announcement
over local radio within
one week prior to
implementation of burn.
Tentative release date
April 27, 2015
Prescribed Burn Map
and brief project
description providing
rationale and purpose of
burn
Prescribed Fire Burn
Boss day prior to burn to
provide notice to
Saskatchewan 911 Burn
Control Center & Local
Fire Departments of
intent to conduct burn,
Park Supervisor to
provide notice to local
stakeholders,
landowners of intent to
conduct prescribed burn
Public/Stakeholder
Meetings. LPU &
Park Supervisor to
coordinate
Meetings will be held in
March of 2015. Two
public meeting and
individual stakeholder
meetings
Table 10: Public/media communications plan.
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
Burn Day
Post-Burn
Public
announcement
day of burn
Prescribed
Burn project
description &
Map of Burn
Unit
Prescribed Fire
Burn Boss to
provide notice
to Balgonie,
White City and
Pilot Butte Fire
Departments
of GO / NO
GO Decision
PA Fire Center
RDO of GO /
NO GO
Decision &
Sk 911 of GO /
NO GO
Decision
6-8 week prior
to burn
Prescribed Burn Plan
& Map of Burn Unit
Prescribed Fire Burn
Boss to advise
911Burn Control
Center, WFM and
local fire departments
when burn operation
has been completed
or as required by
Burn Control Center.
N/A
55
Parks Division will be requesting a Communications Officer be assigned to the White Butte
Trails Prescribed Burn to address media requests and to provide for onsite control should the
media be allowed on the burn site.
The Parks Division, Landscape Protection Unit will hold public meetings in March of 2015
to ensure the burn plan is explained and to seek feedback and input relating to its
implementation. Individual meetings will be held with landowners, industry, user groups
and the Regina Wildlife Federation who is directly affected by the burn and whose lands are
attached to WBTRS. This is to ensure that awareness and specific concerns can be
addressed directly with these vested stakeholders.
21.3 Key Messages
The following is a list of key messages approved by Parks Division for release to the public:
 Fire is a natural process that plays a key role in the evolution of grassland and forest
ecosystems in Saskatchewan. Fire can be used to renew vegetation and help maintain
healthy ecosystems.
 After a fire, the vegetation of a burned-over area quickly regenerates; fire does not harm
ecosystems but contributes to long-term ecosystem health.
 The prescribed burn scheduled for White Butte Trails Recreation Site will assist with
the control of leafy spurge (a noxious weed), reduce hazardous fuel loads (i.e., dead
vegetation) and help to maintain healthy and diverse park grassland.
 Excessive build-up of dead plant litter leads to a higher risk of uncontrolled wildfires
which could threaten the safety of people and valuable property in the recreation site
and adjacent areas.
 Exotic invasive species pose one of the greatest threats to the long-term sustainability
and health of natural ecosystems. Saskatchewan Parks Division manages exotic
invasive plant species using an integrated weed management strategy. This strategy
uses a combination of tools including biological, mechanical, cultural and chemical
controls, to manage exotic invasive plants.
 Biological controls (leafy spurge flea beetles) have been used for the past 20 years at
White Butte Trails Recreation Site for the management of leafy spurge. To date this
treatment has had limited success. Herbicide was applied to leafy spurge in 2013 and
2014 to augment biological control of this serious invasive weed (listed as a noxious
weed under The Weed Control Act).
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
56
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
 After the area has been burned, herbicide applications, combined with biological
controls, will be used to manage leafy spurge at White Butte Trails Recreation Site.
 Over the last decade, prescribed fire has been successfully used in many southern
provincial parks to promote ecosystem health and biodiversity. Prescribed burns have
been successfully implemented in Duck Mountain, Moose Mountain, Fort Carlton,
Douglas, and Greenwater Lake Provincial Parks.
 In 2015 the Saskatchewan Parks Division plans to implement three other prescribed
burns; one at Douglas Provincial Park and two at Greenwater Lake Provincial Park.
21.4 Interpretive/Informational Materials
The Landscape Protection Unit will develop fact sheets, maps and posters to be distributed
at public / stakeholder meetings. A fact sheet, maps and posters will also be placed on
information boards located in the parking lots at White Butte Trails Recreation Site once the
burn has been completed.
22.0 Stakeholder Consultation Plan
A list of stakeholders directly affected by the prescribed burn is compiled and has been
placed in appendix 29.3.3 of this plan.
23.0 Logistical Support
23.1 Lodging
Overnight accommodations for incoming burn personnel will be located at facilities in
Emerald Park or at Balgonie. Parks Division will arrange for accommodations and provide
confirmation closer to when the burn occurs, sometime in mid-April. Park Division will
cover off the costs of accommodations unless other arrangements are made.
23.2 Sustenance
Breakfast, lunches and suppers will be contracted and provided to all burn personnel
working on the burn. Lunches will consist of bag lunches which will be eaten at the burn
site.
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
57
23.3 Potable Water
Bottled water will be provided and available at the burn site. Empty water bottles are to be
deposited in recycle stations set up at the burn site and or at bottle receptacles located in the
public parking lots located in the northeast and southwest corners of the WBTRS. Specific
directions will be provided at the orientation briefing.
23.4 Fuel
All motorized equipment will arrive fully fueled at the burn site. This includes fuel for
water pumps, chainsaws, etc. There will be fuel on site with the mobile fire cache which
will provide enough fuel for one operational period. Fuel will also be available from service
stations in White City area. Refueling of vehicles are the responsibility of the operators and
all vehicles are expected to be fueled prior to the start of each operational period.
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
58
24.0 Resource Requirements Summary
RESOURCE
QUANT.
SUPPLIED BY
Prescribed Fire Burn Boss
1
SPD LPU
Safety Officer
1
WFM
Communications Officer
1
SPD – Communications Branch
Holding Specialist
1
WFM
Operations Section Chief
FBAN
0
SPD/WFM combined role
Fire Wx/Behavior Recorder
0
SPD combined role LPU
Firing Boss
1
SPD LPU
Igniters
4
3 from WFM and 1 from SPD
Task Force Leader
2
WFM
Type I firefighter
8
WFM or other Agency
Type II firefighter
10
WFM or other Agency
Parks Division Crew
4
SPD LPU
Security Staff
2
SPD
High expansion foam units
2
WFM / SPD
– wildland fire engine
Pumper units
4
SPD
Water tender
2
SPD
Trash Pump complete
2
SPD
50 man mobile cache
1
SPD
Complete with 4 MKIII
Pumps, 2 floto pumps, 2
chainsaws / 150 1 ½ / 1” “
fire hoses, hand tools for 30
firefighters
Hand drip torches
8
SPD
5 lb fire extinguishers
2
SPD
ATV’s / ATV trailers
3
SPD
Honda trash pump
1
WFM
20 liter jerry cans
8
WFM
Spill kit
1
SPD
Four wheel drive ½ - ¾ Ton
4
2 from SPD and 2 from WFM
Trucks
Mini van
1
SPD
Hand held infrared scanner
1
WFM
King Radios / FTR
30 /15
WFM/SPD
Table 11: Resource requirement summary for White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn.
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
59
25.0 Prescribed Burn Organization
Figure 9: White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn organization
Finance / Administration, planning and logistics functions will be carried out by the
Landscape Protection Unit.
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
60
26.0 Budget
26.1 Project Budget
-
-
-
$41.00
5
$205.00
1
-
-
-
$191.00
5
$955.00
1
-
-
-
$191.00
5
$955.00
2
-
-
-
$191.00
5
$1,910.00
Type 1 CRWM
8
-
-
-
$116.00
5
$4,640.00
Type 2 CRWM
-
10
-
-
$116.00
5
$5,800.00
Firing Boss
1
-
-
-
$191.00
5
$955.00
Igniters
4
-
-
-
$116.00
5
$2,320.00
Parks Crew / Security
4
-
-
-
$41.00
5
$820.00
LPU staff - SPD
2
$41.00
5
$410.00
Industry
1
(I.e. IC, F.B.A., OSC,
Holding Team, etc.)
FN/NFPW
# of Days
WFM /
TSPD
(Positio
n level)
Total Direct
Costs
Positions
Daily Costs
Other
(Meals &
Accommodation)
Total
Indirect
Costs
(Wages)
* Indicate Number of Persons
Prescribed Fire Burn
Boss
Safety Officer
Holding Specialist
Ops Section Chief
Task Force Leader
Overtime
$6,000.00
TOTALS
23
10
-
-
-
-
$24,970.00
Budget Requirements – Aircraft / Equipment
Aircraft/Equipment
Mileage
km
$/km
Number
of
vehicles
Total
Direct
Costs
Total
Indirect
Costs
Four X four ½ - ¾ ton trucks (2 WFM, 2 SPD)
1500
0.300
4
$1,800.00
-
LPU CVA – 2 4x4 units
600
0.300
2
$360.00
-
-
-
1
$400.00
-
1
$500.00
Wildland Fire Engine – diesel Fuel (1500 km)
One 12 passenger vans – Type 2 Crews
1500
Communications Media Releases
$600.00
Electronic sign board (2) for #1 Highway
$2,000.00
-
TOTALS
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
-
8
$5,660.00
-
61
Budget Requirements - Other (I.e. fuel, foam, stationary, signage, media, etc.)
Total Direct
Item
Cost
Pump and drip torch fuel – 500 litres @ $1.20/litre
$600.00
Bottle water - 10 cases (24 bottles per case) @$15.00/case
$150.00
Purchase of fire equipment for burn – class A foam
2,500.00
Total Indirect
Cost
-
$ 3,250.00
TOTALS
-
Budget Requirements Pre-burn Site Preparation/Vegetation Inventory
Work Done or Item
Vegetation sampling /
inventory
Mowing
Number of
Days
Personnel
Daily Cost
Cost Total
CVA Unit
2
2
$300.00
$300.00
Tractor and mower
1
1
$500.00
$500.00
Equipment Used
$800.00
TOTALS
TOTAL DIRECT PROJECT COST
$34,680.00
Table 12: White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn projected
budget.
Note: The operational periods for each day of the White Butte Prescribed Burn will be
established by the Parks Division Prescribed Fire Burn Boss. All overtime must be pre
authorized by the Landscape Protection Unit Manager for the Parks Division prior to anyone
being released from the burn operation.
All operational staff are to be on site by 1300 hours the day prior to the burn to allow for
briefings, equipment placement and to become familiar with the burn unit and surrounding
area.
27.0 Prescribed Burn Field Approval
The Prescribed Burn Approval Field Form will be filled in by the Prescribed Fire Burn Boss
on site just prior to implementation of the burn. The GO / NO GO Decision will be
provided to Balgonie, White City and Pilot Butte Fire Department, Regional Duty Officer,
Prince Albert Fire Centre and to 911 Control Burn Center prior to ignition starting. A blank
copy of the Prescribed Burn Approval Field Form is located in appendix 29.1.2.
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
62
28.0 Literature Cited
29.0 Appendices
29.1 Forms
29.1.1 Weather and Fire Behavior Monitoring
29.1.2 Go / No Go Checklist
29.1.3 Prescribed Burn Complexity Rating Guide
29.2 Maps
29.2.1 Burn Unit Map
29.2.2 Overview and Containment Area Map
29.2.3 RM Edenwold Map
29.3 Plans
29.3.1 Medical Plan
29.3.2 Radio Plan
29.3.3 Consultation Plan
29.4 Letter of Intent to Stakeholders
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
63
PRESCRIBED BURN MONITORING FORM – WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR OBSERVATIONS
BURN NAME:
BURN LOCATION:
DATE:
RECORDED BY:
FIRE WEATHER
Time
Weather
Av Wind Speed (km/h)
Max Wind Speed (km/h)
Wind Direction
Temperature ( C)
Relative Humidity (%)
Cloud Cover (%)
Atmospheric Stability
Comments
Hours
Hours
Hours
Hours
Hours
Hours
Hours
Hours
Hours
Hours
Hours
Hours
Hours
Hours
Hours
Hours
Hours
Hours
Hours
Hours
Hours
Hours
Hours
Hours
Hours
Hours
Hours
Hours
FIRE BEHAVIOR
Time
Behavior
Fuel Type
Smoke Color
Angle of Flame-Degrees
Smoke Angle-Degrees
Flame Length (m)
Flame Height (m)
Flame Depth (m)
Rate of Spread (m/min)
Fuel Consumption
CFB
Direct Fire Effects
Comments
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February 14, 2015
64
29.1.2 Go / No Go Checklist
PRESCRIBED BURN PLAN FIELD APPROVAL
TO BE SIGNED PRIOR TO IGNITION
I have read the fire prescription and burn plan and I am satisfied that:
1.
All fire prescription specifications have been met.
Yes
No
2.
All smoke management prescription specifications Yes
have been met.
No
3.
The fire weather forecast is favorable.
Yes
No
4.
All personnel have been briefed on the prescribed
burn plan.
Yes
No
5.
All personnel have been briefed on safety hazards, Yes
escaped routes, safety zones.
No
6.
All required equipment is in place and in working
order.
Yes
No
7.
Sufficient backup resources are available in the
event of an escaped fire.
Yes
No
8.
Contact has been made with the Regional Duty
Officer & 911 Burn Control Center and they are
aware of the prescribed fire and the resources
needed or on stand-by.
Yes
No
9.
Has contact been made with the Regional Fire
Manager?
Yes
No
Before ignition may proceed it is essential that contact be made with the local
RDO to confirm that no other fires or priorities will interfere with the prescribed
fire plan.
One or more NO’s = justify cancellation of the burn
The burn has my approval to proceed:
Prescribed Fire Burn Boss: _________
Name
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February14, 2015
_______
Date
___________________
Signature
65
29.1.3 Prescribed Burn Complexity Rating Guide
Saskatchewan Parks Division Fire Complexity Rating Worksheet Numeric Rating
Guide
Saskatchewan Parks Division
Prescribed Fire Complexity Rating Guide
The Prescribed Fire Complexity Rating Guide provides a method to assess and
numerically rate the complexity level of a planned prescribed burn project. This rating
guide incorporates an assigned numeric rating complexity value for specific complexity
elements that are weighted in their contribution to overall complexity rating. The
weighted value is then multiplied by the numeric rating value to provide a total value for
that element. All elements are then added to generate the total project complexity value.
Threshold values are provided for low & moderate and high complexity values. The
prescribed fire complexity rating worksheet is accompanied (on the following pages) by
written descriptors of each of the values representing the complexity elements which are
shown in chart below.
Complexity Element
Weight
Rating
Complexity Value
Safety
5
2
10
Threats to Boundary
Fire Behavior
Objectives
Management Organization
Ecological, Cultural &
Historical Values
Improvements to be Protected
Within or Near Burn Area
Air Quality Considerations
Logistical Considerations
Political Considerations
Tactical Operations
Multi Agency Involvement
5
5
4
4
2
2
2
2
10
10
8
8
3
3
9
3
3
9
3
3
2
2
1
2
1
3
2
2
6
3
6
4
2
85
Total Complexity Value
Complexity Rating:
Complexity Breakpoints:
L
40-51
M
52-84
H
85-120
Incident Commander 2 Required for Implementation of Projects with Rating of 40 – 51
Incident Commander 2 Required for Implementation of Projects with Rating of 52 – 84
Incident Commander 1 Required for Implementation of Projects with Rating of 85 – 120
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February14, 2015
66
COMPLEXITY
ELEMENT
Safety
1

Safety issues are
easily identifiable
and mitigated
GUIDE TO NUMERIC RATING
2


Weighting
Factor – 5
Threats to
Boundary



Weighting
Factor – 5
Fire Behavior
Fuels / Weather
/ Topography






Low risk of
breaching boundary
Low risk or spotting
Boundaries naturally
defensible
Low variability in
slope & aspect
Weather uniform &
predictable
Uniform fuel load /
type
Surface fuels (grass,
needles) only
Short duration fire








Number of significant
issues have been
identified


Moderate risk of fire
breaching boundary
Moderate risk of spotting
Boundaries need
mitigation actions for
support to strengthen fuel
breaks, control lines, etc.
Moderate variability in
slope & aspect
Weather variable but
predictable
Ladder fuels present
Fuel types/loads variable
BUI indicates normal
conditions to moderate
drought conditions









White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February14, 2015
Complex safety issues exist
No vehicle access or remote
access only
All safety hazards have
been identified and
mitigated ( Example of
safety hazard analysis –
LCES Worksheet)
No drought indicated
Weighting
Factor – 5
3

High risk of fire breaching
boundary
High risk of spotting
Mitigation actions necessary
to compensate for
continuous fuels, control
lines need to be widen in
areas of high fuel
concentrations along
perimeter
High variability in slope and
aspect
Weather variable and
difficult to predict
Extreme fire behavior
potential
Fuel types/loads highly
variable
Altered fire regime,
hazardous fuel/stand density
conditions exist
Potentially long duration
fire
BUI indicates severe
drought conditions
67
COMPLEXITY
ELEMENT
Objectives
GUIDE TO NUMERIC RATING
2
1



Maintenance
objectives
Broad prescription
broad



Easily achieved
objectives


\Weighting
Factor - 4
Management
Organization



Personnel
requirements less
than 12 individuals

Single fire
no external
personnel required
Weighting
Factor - 4
Ecological,
Cultural, &
Historical Values
to be Protected




No risk to
ecological, cultural
&/or historical
resources within or
adjacent to fire
Weighting
Factor - 3
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February14, 2015



Restoration objectives

Reduction of both live &
dead fuels

Moderate to substantial
changes in two or more
strata of vegetation

Objectives judged to be
moderately hard to
achieve


Objectives may require
moderate intense fire
behavior
Personnel requirements
13 - 24 individuals
Multiple Strike Teams /
Task Force Teams
required
Short-term commitment
of specialized resources




External Park Service
personnel required
Several values to be
protected
Mitigation through
planning and / or
preparations is required
Require some
commitment of
specialized resources


3
Restoration objectives in
altered fuel situations
Precise treatment of fuels &
multiple ecological objectives
Major change in structure of 2
or more vegetative strata
Conflicts between objectives
& constraints
Requires a high intensity fire
or a combination of fire
intensities difficult to achieve
Personnel requirements 25 or
greater
Multiple Branch, divisions or
groups required
Specialized resources needed
to accomplish objectives
External Parks Division
personnel required, including
interagency personnel
Numerous values and / or high
values to be protected
Severe damage likely without
significant commitment of
specialized resources with
appropriate skill level
68
COMPLEXITY
ELEMENT
Improvements
to be Protected
Within or Near
Burn Area
GUIDE TO NUMERIC RATING
1




Weighting
Factor - 3
Air Quality
Considerations



Weighting
Factor - 3
Logistical
Considerations



Minimal threat to
improvements,
private or other
agency lands
Protection of values
requires no special
management or
equipment or skill
2


Implementation will
not damage special
features or adversely
affect on site
resource values

Resource values
within or near burn
unit are easy to
protect

Few smoke sensitive
areas near fire
Smoke produced
less than 1 burning
period
Air quality agencies
generally require
only initial
notification &/or
permitting



There are limited number
of high value located
adjacent or near the burn
area – moderate threat to
improvements, private or
other agencies
Protection of offsite
values requires special
management
Duration of fire
support less than 4
days
Weighting
Factor - 3
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February14, 2015



Ignition and or holding
plans require adjustments
to ensure protection of
values – some pre-burn
preparation is required
Implementation problems
will result in moderate
damage or some loss to
values
Multiple smoke sensitive
areas, but smoke impact
mitigated in plan
Smoke produced 2-4
burning periods
Low potential for
scheduling conflicts with
other agencies






No potential for
scheduling conflicts
with other agencies
Easy access
3




Difficult access
Duration of fire support 410 days
Logistical position
required
Anticipated difficulty in
obtaining resources




Several improvements of
high level value are located
adjacent to or near the burn
area – substantial threat to
improvements, private or
other agencies
Protection of off site values
requires special management
Development of special
ignition and holding plans
are required to ensure
protection of values –
considerable pre burn
preparation is required
Implementation problems
will result in substantial
damage to or destruction of
values
Multiple smoke sensitive
areas with complex
mitigation actions required
Health or visibility
complaints likely
Smoke produced greater than
4 burning periods
Violation of provincial or
federal health standards
possible
High potential for scheduling
conflicts with other agencies
No vehicle access
Duration of support greater
than 10 days
Multiple logistical positions
required
Remote camps & support
necessary
69
COMPLEXITY
ELEMENT
Political
Considerations
Weighting
Factor - 2
Tactical
Operations
GUIDE TO NUMERIC RATING
2
1







No impact on
neighbors or
visitors
no controversy
no media interest
Simple ignition
patterns
Single ignition
method used
Holding
requirements
minimal
Operational
resources required
for less than 4 days








Some impact on neighbors
or visitors
Some controversy, but
mitigated
Press release issued, but no
media activity during
operations
Multiple ignition methods
and/or sequences
Use of specialized ignition
methods (terra-torch, AID)
Simultaneous ground and
aerial ignition applications
Operational resources
required for up to one week
Holding actions to check,
direct, or delay fire spread









Weighting
Factor - 2
Multi Agency
Involvement
Weighting
Factor - 1


Outside agencies
not involved in
operations
No concerns



White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February14, 2015
Simple joint-agency project

Some resource competition
for resources

Some concerns

3
High impact on neighbors or
visitors
High internal or external
interest & concern
Media present during
operations
Complex firing patterns
highly dependent upon local
conditions
Simultaneous use of
multiple ignition patterns
and / or methods
Simultaneous ground &
aerial ignition
Operational resources
required for greater than 1
week
Success of actions critical to
accomplishment of
objectives
Aerial support for
mitigation actions
desirable/necessary
Complex multi-agency
projects
High competition for
resources
High concerns
70
29.2 Maps
29.2.1 Burn Unit Map
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February14, 2015
71
29.2.2 Overview Map & Containment Area
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February14, 2015
72
29.2.3 RM of Edenwold No. 158 Map
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February14, 2015
73
29.3 Plans
29.3.1 Medical Plan
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February14, 2015
74
Map showing route to Regina General Hospital – 1440 - 14th Ave
Map in Regina showing route to Regina General Hospital 1440 – 14th Ave
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February14, 2015
75
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February14, 2015
76
Map showing route from WBT Burn Site to Pasque Hospital
Map in Regina showing route to Pasqua Hospital
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February14, 2015
77
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February14, 2015
78
29.3.2 Radio Plan
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February14, 2015
79
29.3.3 Consultation Plan
29.3.3 Consultation Plan
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn - List of Stakeholders to be Contacted
Last Name
Title
Company
Dillistone, Gareth
Lazar, Jacquelyn &
Gordon
Trapp, Joel W.
Madalen, David
Kydd, Janet
Vice President
Jaimey Midtdal
Owner/operator
Regina Wildlife Federation
[email protected]
Regina Multi Sport Club
[email protected]
Regina Ski Club [email protected]
Regina Road Runners Club
[email protected]
Acreage SW 26
[email protected]
Acreage NE 35 Blk B
Acreage NE 35 Blk A
Acreage NE corner of WBTRS
Copper Sands Trailer Park E of WBTRS
[email protected]
Property Owners
South Subdivision north WBTRS
Poperty Owners
Property Owner
Stone Pointe Estates west of WBTRS
Landowner NW side of WBTRS
[email protected]
Landowner SE side of WBTRS
[email protected]
East side of WBTRS
[email protected]
East side of WBTRS
[email protected]
SW side of WBTRS
Aquila Holdings Ltd. SE of WBTRS
Freshair Enterprise SE of WBTRS
Cattell, Lyle
Cutting, Paul
Brewster, Greg
President
Board of
Directors
Nordic Facilites
Property Owner
Property Owner
Property Owner
Property Owner
Bronstein, Dorothy
Property Owner
Alford, Verna
Property Owner
Serbu, Roy
Property Owner
Ermel, Clinton
Metz, Curtis
Property Owner
Property Owner
Property Owner
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February14, 2015
Address
Box 594
3806 E
Cumberland Rd
City
Postal
Code
Phone
Regina
S4P 3A3
306-359-733
Regina
Regina
S4V 3C4
306-591-5534
306-949-8210
White City
White City
White City
White City
S4L5B1
306-789-1310
Not available
Not available
Not available
Regina
South
Subdivision
Stone Pointe
Est.
S4P 0J8
306-209-4212
Box 202
Pilot Butte
S0G 3Z0
306-781-4422
Box 1040
Regina
S4P 3B2
306-781-2264
Box 181
White City
S4L 5B1
306-781-4851
Box 367
Balgonie
Emerald Park
S0G 0E0
306-781-4617
306-789-7805
Regina
Box 343
JJL Invest. 110
2201 11th, Ave
80
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn - List of Stakeholders to be Contacted - Continued
Last Name
Title
Blair, Ryan
Manager
Operations
Steve Werner
Roadmaster
Wilson, Scott
Professor
Rudolph, Laurie
Administrator
Bzdel, Shauna
Town Manager
Olynyk, Larrah
Planner
Olynyk, Larrah
Planner
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February14, 2015
Company
Sask. Power
[email protected]
CP Railway
[email protected]
U of R - Biology Department
[email protected]
Town of Pilot Butte
[email protected]
Town of White City
[email protected]
Hamlet of Emerald Park
[email protected]
RM of Edenwold
[email protected]
Address
City
Postal
Code
Phone
Hwy 6 N
2305 Dewdney
Ave
3737 Wascana
Parkway
Box 253 222
Diamond Pl.
Box 220 Station
Main
Regina
S4P 0S1
306-566-2216
Regina
S4R 8R2
Regina
S4S 0A2
306-536-5035
306-585-4201
306-585-4994
Pilot Butte
S0G 3Z0
White City
S4L 5B1
306-781-4547
306- 781-2355
Ext. 4
100 Queen St.
Balgonie
S0G 0E0
306-771-2034
100 Queen St.
Balgonie
S0G 0E0
306-771-2034
81
29.4 Letter of Intent to Burn -Stakeholders
1st Floor, 3211 Albert Street
REGINA SK S4S 5W6
February 2015
Dear Stakeholder:
This letter is to inform you that the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport, Parks Division
is planning for a prescribed burn at White Butte Trails Recreation Site, tentatively
between May 4 and May 15, 2015, weather permitting.
This burn is part of an integrated pest management strategy for managing invasive exotic
plant species such as leafy spurge, smooth bromegrass and crested wheatgrass. This burn
will be approximately 132 hectares in size and is the second phase of this project which
began last year.
In past years, biological controls (leafy spurge flea beetles) have been introduced in an
attempt to control the spurge. Unfortunately, these attempts have been unsuccessful. In
2013, herbicide applications were applied with some success in the recreation site;
however, due to the excess dead plant material, herbicide efficacy was limited. Research
has shown that a combination of early season burning and the follow up use of herbicides
can be very effective in the control of invasive exotic plant species. It also shows that
this method can promote future biological control which is the preferred method on park
lands.
In spring of 2014, the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport undertook a prescribed burn
in the northern portion of the recreation site. Following that, in the summer and early fall
of 2014, herbicide was applied to the burned area with very good success. Burning the
remainder of the project area in 2015, under controlled conditions, will improve the rest
of the site for follow-up herbicide treatments and will reduce hazardous fuel loads which
could lead to high-intensity wildfires that would be difficult to control.
In order to carry out the 2015 prescribed burn, the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport
has prepared a detailed prescribed burn plan for this project. This plan is available for
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February14, 2015
82
your viewing and comment and can be obtained through myself or Dallas Chorneyko,
Park Supervisor at Echo Valley Provincial Park. Dallas may be reached by telephone at
(306) 332-3218 or by e-mail at [email protected].
Stakeholder and public meetings have been arranged to review the burn plan and gather
feedback. They have been arranged as follows:

Stakeholder meeting (individuals or groups who are directly affected or impacted
by burn)
o White City Community Center – 12 Ramm Avenue East
o White City, Saskatchewan
o March 3, 2015 starting at 7:00 pm

Public meeting (those individuals or groups who will not be directly impacted,
however wish to gain more information or knowledge about prescribed burning in
Parks and why the burn is being carried out at White Butte Trails Recreation Site)
o White City Community Center – 12 Ramm Avenue East
o White City, Saskatchewan
o March 10, 2015 starting at 7:00 pm
Stakeholders and public are encouraged to attend these meetings to ensure they can gain a
better understanding as to why Parks is implementing the burn at White Butte Trails
Recreation Site, address concerns they may have and to seek feedback.
In the meantime, if you have specific concerns or questions that you would like to discuss
regarding the 2015 prescribed burn at White Butte Trails Recreation Site, I would
encourage you to contact myself by e-mail at [email protected] or by telephone at
(306) 787-0846.
In closing, I look forward to hearing from you and I would appreciate any input you may
have in helping the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport become better stewards of the
natural ecosystems found in our provincial park system. Thank you and have a great day.
Sincerely,
Glen Longpre
Manager, Landscape Protection Unit
White Butte Trails Prescribed Burn Plan
Last Revised: February14, 2015
83