National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy Success Story

Efficient Response to 6 Mile Fire
Padre Island National Seashore, Texas
Cohesive Strategy – Response to Wildfires
2012

The lightning-ignited 6 Mile Fire was detected in Padre Island National Seashore on July 14, 2012. The fire was located south of the park headquarters, visitor center, recreational areas, and primary park improvements. Fuels consisted of coastal prairie short grass. Resources consisted of 26 total personnel made up engine staff from four engines and four overhead. Partners included Big Thicket National Preserve and the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge.

Direct attack tactics were not successful due to fuel loading, so firefighters used burnout operations to help contain the fire. Fire managers worked effectively and efficiently to complete burnout operations on July 16. The fire was contained in just two days at approximately 12,998 acres. No structures were damaged or destroyed.

For more information on the fire management program at Padre Island National Seashore, visit http://www.nps.gov/pais.

Contact: Fulton Jeansonne, Fire Management Officer, Fulton_Jeansonne@nps.gov, (409) 951-6850

Keywords: Cost Effectiveness and Efficiencies