Charter
I. BACKGROUND
The field of fire management is in a state of constant change and requires the integration of interdisciplinary and interagency efforts to support today's resource management programs. The use of both wildland and prescribed fire to achieve agency objectives is becoming a significant fire management program element. The underlying strength of agency fire management programs lies in a fundamental understanding of the role of fire behavior and fire effects in resource management decisions. Thus, fire management is as much a philosophy and attitude toward the land as it is an action program.
The rationale for understanding fire as an ecosystem process must be transferred to all resource management activities. This transfer often takes place when we employ fire as a tool. The ignition of wildland fuels by land managers or natural causes to achieve specific management objectives, is receiving continued emphasis from fire management specialists, land managers, politicians and the general public. Yet at the same time that fire use programs are increasing, concerns are being expressed regarding associated smoke management problems, escape fires, funding and health and safety of employees and the general public. A coordinated, interagency effort is required to ensure that fire use programs are implemented in a professional and competent manner.
II. NAME
The team will be known as the Fire Use Working Team.
III. AUTHORITY
This working Team is established pursuant to the charter granted to the parent National Wildfire Coordinating Group, through the respective Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior.
IV. MISSION
The mission of the working Team is to coordinate and advocate the use of fire to achieve management objectives, promote a greater understanding of the role of fire and its effects, and recommend and maintain a fire use qualification system.
V. TEAM COMPOSITION
The Team will include two state representatives and a member from each NWCG agency, usually not to exceed eight (8) team members.
VI. AUTHORITY OF THE CHAIRMAN
The Chairman is authorized to convene meetings at such time and places as deemed necessary by the Team. It is expected that the meetings will be held to the minimum necessary to accomplish the established purposes of the Team and Group. The Chairman, through the Team, has broad authority to make contacts, assign work on behalf of the Team, and commit such resources as it has available. He/she may recommend to the Group the need for further resources and authorities as they become evident.
VII. MEETINGS
- Meetings will be scheduled and agendas provided in advance to the Team members and the Group representative.
- Sub-groups, if any, within the team will meet at the direction of the Team Chairman.
- Costs of the meetings must be borne by the sponsoring agencies. Costs other than personal salaries, travel, etc. may be prorated among the agencies and departments as agreed upon by the team membership or the Group after clearance with the respective departments or agencies.
IX. RESPONSIBILITY
The team, in order to accomplish its mission, is responsible for developing a plan of action. This plan must be approved by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group.
IX. REPORTS AND MINUTES
Annual reports may be either in writing or verbal and are made to the Group. It is not anticipated nor desired that formal reports be developed or submitted for outside dissemination. Accurate summary of all actions shall be taken at each meeting. The Chairman shall insure the information on the team activities gets proper distribution after approval by the Group representative.
