Fire

Forest Fires On The Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests

The Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests average 2-3 fires annually.  Rarely do these fires present a suppression challenge and tend to be extinguished at less than an acre in size. 

Occasionally weather and fuel conditions can combine to create high to very high fire danger and the forest fire management team will take extra precautions to patrol the forest, working with cooperating fire departments and law enforcement.

Wildland Fire Prevention

“Only you can prevent wildfires!” – Smokey Bear’s message is important on the Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests as the majority of the fires in the Northeast are human caused.  The Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests fire team works with a host of organizations in fire prevention, most notably the Northeast Forest Fire Prevention Compact.

Supporting Wildland Fire Suppression Efforts Nationally

The Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests are home to many skilled firefighters.   When the need is great enough, we respond to fires throughout the United States and, via the Northeast Forest Fire Prevention Compact, occasionally Canada.  We dispatch fire crews, engines, personnel and other support functions.

Historic Fire Towers on The Green Mountain National Forest

The Green Mountain National Forest has two historical fire towers, Stratton Fire Tower and Glastenbury Fire Tower.  Both are accessible to the public and offer great 360 degree views.

The Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests use prescribed fire to maintain blueberry units, openings for wildlife habitat, and to treat hazardous fuels in the wildland/urban interface. 

Using fire offers several advantages in openings maintenance including decreased cost, ecological authenticity and minimal impact.  

Burn “prescriptions” detail weather and fuel conditions that allow managers to meet vegetative objectives while minimizing chances of the fire escaping the intended target area.