*Strategic Discussion Points*

## *for the*

## *Bar Harbor Fire Staff Ride* 

**[Strategic Discussion #1]{.underline}**

-   Compare the capability of the structural departments and the
    National Park Service of 1947 to conduct initial and extended attack
    on a fire of this magnitude with your situation today. What are the
    major advantages you have that were not available in 1947? What
    disadvantages do you face?

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-   On October 17^th^, 1947 this was an area of mature timber. How do
    you think the fuel conditions of today might be different in regards
    to fire behavior? How is our knowledge of fuels and fire behavior
    better today than in 1947?

**[Strategic Discussion #2]{.underline}**

-   How do you ensure that adequate mop up is occurring to prevent a
    fire from escaping containment lines three days after being
    considered contained? Do you give explicit direction or provide
    leader's intent?

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-   Often the eastern United States is considered to be less volatile
    and prone to large fires than the west. The drought of 1947 was only
    a few months in duration. What fuel models do you recognize? As you
    assessed the fuels that were present in the 1947 fire what portions
    of your home unit come to mind? Do you know what the indices are for
    large fires to occur and are you prepared to deal with them when
    they do occur?

**[Strategic Discussion #3]{.underline}**

-   Do you think the men on this fire were aware of the typical weather
    patterns in this area? Do your firefighters know how to recognize a
    frontal passage approaching?

-   Large fires were burning in much of Maine in October 1947. When this
    fire escaped containment lines on October 21^st^ Fire Chief Sleeper
    was able to get 225 officers and soldiers from Dow Army Air Base.
    How would you deal with a wildland urban interface fire of this
    magnitude at your home unit? How quickly could you get sufficient
    reinforcements to fight the fire or implement a successful
    evacuation? What type of agreements do you have in place with
    cooperating fire departments and law enforcement agencies?

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-   In 1947 there were numerous million dollar homes and hotels located
    in the path of the fire. What type of pressure did this put on Chief
    Sleeper? What types of values do you have to protect and what plans
    do you have in place to do so?

**[Strategic Discussion #4]{.underline}**

-   As a result of the fires of 1947 the Northeast Forest Fire
    Protection Compact
    (<http://www.nffpc.org/html/eng/info/about/3.html>) was established
    by Congress in 1949. This was the first such compact formed. Since
    its inception three Canadian provinces and the National Forests of
    New England have joined the compact. What cooperators do you have
    agreements with? Who do you not have agreements with that you now
    think you should?

-   As a result of the 1947 fires many policies, standards, and
    agreements were developed, some of which are still in use today.
    What agency or interagency policies are of the greatest assistance
    to you with the wildland fire management mission you have today?
    What policies seem to be more of a hindrance and how are you
    addressing them?