Media Resources

So You’d Like to Cover a Wildfire……!

A Reporter’s Guide to Visiting Firecamp And The Fireline

This is a guide for media who want to visit or tour incidents.  The PIO’s overall goal is to assist you in getting the best and most current information about what is happening.  Working together helps us provide the best information to the public.  While we strive to do our best to accommodate all requests, please know that on any incident safety will always remain our top priority and some requests may not be possible.

BEFORE ARRIVING AT THE WILDFIRE:

Contact the Public Information Officer (PIO) or agency responsible for the incident.  

• Consider the following:
• Location of the incident and safest route.  At times, incidents prompt road closures or detours for safety and access reasons.
• Determine your estimated time of arrival and location to meet the PIO.
• Provide your name and contact information.
• Determine if and what ‘Personal Protective Equipment’ (PPE) you will need to provide or if they can/will provide at the incident. Most times, you will have to bring your own leather boots, no steel toe, vibram soles and 8 inches high if you plan to visit the fireline.
• Have an idea of what your overall goal is for the visit (photos, videos, interviews etc.)
• Be sure to pack personal items you may need: lip balm, sunscreen, sunglasses/safety glasses, water, food or snacks.  Additional opportunities may arise during your visit which may result in a longer than expected visit.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE):  Wildfire incidents require PPE to be worn if you are going near fire activity.  It is critical, for your safety, that you arrive prepared for the wildfire situation.  Depending on the size of the incident, PPE may be provided to you, however having your own is suggested.

Acceptable: jeans or similar, long sleeved cotton shirt, 8” leather, lace-up, non-steel toe work boots with nonslip, melt resistant soles and heels (these are required to gain full access to the wildfire).

Unacceptable: high heels, sandals and canvas shoes; skirts, dresses, nylon stockings and polyester.

* Note: Many times, you will be able to get your story without going close to the fire perimeter.  In those situations, the PPE requirements will be minimal.

WHEN YOU ARRIVE:

·         Check in with the PIO.

·         Receive an operational overview and safety briefing from someone from the Public

Information staff. Adhere to the escort officers directions. Do not “freelance” on the wildfire scene or you risk being escorted away from the scene.

HEALTH CONCERNS:  The fireline environment may expose you to smoke and airborne ash. If you wear contact lenses, it is recommended that you wear eyeglasses.  If you have asthma or other bronchial/lung sensitivities, you may not wish to be present on the fireline.

DEBRIEF & DEPARTURE: Once you have returned from the tour, please return any equipment  and/or PPE that you were loaned.  Talk with the PIO to get any additional information, and answers to questions that you may have.

Click here to down load a pdf copy of the Interagency Media Guidelines.

It is the policy of federal and state agencies to provide news media access to incidents including wildland fires, prescribed fires and wildland fire-use fires.  Federal and state agencies are required to provide equitable and maximum news media access to wildland fire incidents. 

For the purposes of these guidelines, news media representatives include print and broadcast reporters; freelance print reporters; freelance videographers; and photographers. 

While the wildland firefighting agencies seek to provide safe access to incidents for news media representatives, the ultimate responsibility for their safety lies with the individual reporter and their employer.  

National Wildland Fire Statistics The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), located in Boise, Idaho, is the nation's support center for wildland firefighting. Fire statistics are compiled and maintained  to provide a current and historical overview of firefighting efforts across the nation.

The Glossary of Wildland Fire Terminology provides the wildland fire community a single source for wildland fire and incident management terminology commonly used by the NWCG and its subgroups.  Click here to download the pdf copy. (190 pages)

Reference Definitions: Some of the terms within this glossary will be followed by initials or will have references or comments at the end of the definition to help broaden the recognition and understanding of the term. 

Firefighting Aircraft Recognition Guide: Firefighting aircraft is one resource in a large "tool box" of resources shared nationwide.  All resources serve specific needs on incidents.  Using the "right resource for the right job" is what helps us be more successful.   This Guidebook has been assembled for those who want information on firefighting aircraft used by the local, state and federal agencies. The guide provides the most current facts, specifications and reference photos in four categories; air tactical, fixed-wing, rotor-wing and military aircraft.

Smokey Bear PSAs:  Smokey Bear has been protecting forests since 1944 when he emerged as a national spokesman for wildfire prevention. PSAs aim to lower the statistics by reminding us to play safe in nature by extinguishing outdoor fires or preventing human caused fires.

Firewise Communities PSAs: Firewise is a national program that emphasizes community involvement and provides important information for residents to reduce the risk of wildland fire igniting homes.

Fire Adapted Community PSAs:  A Fire Adapted Community is one where its members understand and accept their wildfire risk and have taken pro-active steps to improve the safety and resilience of their homes, landscapes, and community assets to withstand a wildfire.   A community’s actions toward preparing for wildfire in advance can make a crucial difference when one occurs.

Western N.C. Wildfire Prevention & Education Team

wncwildfireprevention@gmail.com

(828) 575-9935

Wildfire Prevention Radio Public Service Announcements

  

Setting fires is a criminal act —

Setting wildfires not only burns the woods. Fires can damage businesses and put people out of work. They burn homes and disrupt people’s lives for a long time.

Arson wildfires damage natural resources and put firefighters’ lives at risk.

Setting fires is a felony. North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory has announced that the State is offering a reward of up to $10,000 to anyone who provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons who are responsible for setting wildfires in Western North Carolina. In addition, the Bureau of Indian Affairs is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information regarding arson wildfires on Indian Lands through the anonymous WeTip Program.

During this time of drought here in Western North Carolina, even with recent rains, our forests are very dry and fires can spread rapidly.

Keep your eyes and ears open for any wildfire activity. Report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement, no matter how insignificant it may seem. Always assume a fire has not been reported.

Anyone having information about people setting wildfires should contact Macon County Crimestoppers at (828) 349-2600, Jackson County Crimestoppers at (828) 631-1125 or WeTip at (800) 47-ARSON ((800) 472-7766).

Brought to you by the National Forests in North Carolina and the North Carolina Forest Service.

Most wildfires are caused by people —

When enjoying our forests and recreation areas during a severe drought, ask yourself these questions: Are there any outdoor burning bans where I am going? Do we really need to use a fire? Can we do without a fire until the drought is over?

Record setting drought conditions continue across the region making the smallest of sparks capable of starting a new fire. Because of the current conditions in the Carolina mountain regions things that might not have started a fire in the past now have a high probability of igniting a new fire. Some of these are ATVs without spark arresters, dragging trailer safety chains, parking in dry grass and carelessly discarded cigarettes. Everyone using the woods or traveling through them is urged to eliminate unwanted human-caused wildfires.

One less spark. One less wildfire.

Brought to you by the National Forests in North Carolina and the North Carolina Forest Service. 

Crunch Crunch —

As a responsible homeowner living in a wildfire prone area, you have raked the leaves, trimmed the low-hanging branches and cleaned the gutters. Now what do you do with the yard debris?

Please consider composting, mulching when mowing, or making a pile for wildlife habitat. To help keep the leaf pile in place, soak it with water to weigh it down.

For more information on alternatives to burning yard debris, visit the North Carolina Forest Service fire safety outdoors web page: http://ncforestservice.gov/fire_control/fc_firesafetyoutdoors.htm.

Do your part, don’t start a wildfire!

Brought to you by the National Forests in North Carolina and the North Carolina Forest Service.