Columbia National Wildlife Refuge

The Columbia National Wildlife Refuge fire management program provides prescribed fire operations for the Refuge. It also supplies wildland fire suppression resources for the Refuge and surrounding areas. For more information about the fire program at the Refuge contact the fire office.

Prescribed Fire

Firefighter igniting a prescribed burn

Fire is a tool available for management of Refuge lands. Prescribed fires or controlled burns may be used to meet specific resource management or fire management objectives including wildlife management, vegetation management, research accommodation, and hazard fuel reduction. Fire managers coordinate with biologists and other refuge specialists to determine appropriate areas and times to implement burns.

Wildland Fire

Firefighter evaluating a wildland fire

The suppression of wildland fire is an important function of the Refuge fire program. Efficient and safe suppression efforts require well trained and equipped firefighters. They utilize numerous resources and tactics during suppression efforts in order to minimize damages and protect the fire intolerant shrub-steppe habitat. Refuge firefighters also cooperate with local and regional fire dispatches to respond to wildland fires throughout the area.