Incident Media Photographs

Firefighters used strategic firing operations on Waites Run and Capon Fires fire areas on 3/26/24 to bring uncontrolled fire to a more manageable location within fire control lines. Strategic firing operations are also used to bring fire to a specific control feature (road, trail, handline, dozer line) where firefighters can safely and effectively manage and monitor the fire. Strategic firing operations can be conducted on the ground by hand, by helicopter or drone when conditions are too dangerous to place firefighters in the area. The steep terrain and topography of the area play a significant role in determining our current tactics, as well as the sheer number of wildland urban interface areas along three of the five fires.

Silver City Hotshots conduct strategic firing operations on Waites Run Road on March 26, 2024, to bring uncontrolled fire to a more manageable location within fire control lines. Strategic firing operations are also used to bring fire to a specific control feature (road, trail, handline, dozer line) where firefighters can safely and effectively manage and monitor the fire. Strategic firing operations can be conducted on the ground by hand, by helicopter or drone when conditions are too dangerous to place firefighters in the area. The steep terrain and topography of the area play a significant role in determining our current tactics, as well as the sheer number of wildland urban interface areas along three of the five fires. (Photo by Southern Area Gold Team Operations Section Chief Mark Jamieson)

Incident Meteorologist Shawn Smith taking weather observation near the fire line near the Waites Run strategic firing operations on March 26, 2024. (Photo by Shawn Smith, National Weather Service)

A wildland firefighter records notes during strategic firing operations on Waites Run Fire on 3/26/24 to bring uncontrolled fire to a more manageable location within fire control lines. Strategic firing operations are also used to bring fire to a specific control feature (road, trail, handline, dozer line) where firefighters can safely and effectively manage and monitor the fire. Strategic firing operations can be conducted on the ground by hand, by helicopter or drone when conditions are too dangerous to place firefighters in the area. The steep terrain and topography of the area play a significant role in determining our current tactics, as well as the sheer number of wildland urban interface areas along three of the five fires. (USFS photo by John Colyer)

The Black Tooth Wildland Fire Module hails from the Bighorn National Forest in Wyoming. Firefighters travel across the country to help areas in need during large wildfires.

Increased smoke in the Waites Run fire areas today (3/25/24) is from burning pockets of unburnt fuel and securing the fire line during strategic firing operations.