Thirteen Prescribed Fire Situations
That Shout "Watch Out"

1. You are burning with a plan that has not been approved by the appropriate agency administrator.
2. You are not a qualified Burn Boss but have been told to go ahead with the burn.
3. Objectives of the burn are not clear.
4. There are areas of the special concern within the burn unit that cannot be burned.
5. Private land and/or structure adjoin the burn unit.
6. You are uncomfortable with the prescription.
7. You have not requested a spot weather forecast.
8. You decide a test fire is not necessary.
9. You decide your personnel are old hands and a briefing is not necessary.
10. Escape probability is small so you do not bother with a contingency plan.
11. You or the Ignition Specialist is beginning to lose control of the ignition pattern after starting.
12. Mop-up and/or patrol instructions are not specified or understood by the holding personnel.
13. You have not lost one in a long time and are starting to feel a little smug.