Big Pond prescribed fire in Idaho

The refuge Marsh Master, an amphibious fire vehicle was used to ignite the unit in wet marsh areas. The Marsh Master is also equipped with a water tank and pump.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service continues to provide excellent photos of their fire management activities. They have posted on flickr some photos taken over the last two days at the Big Pond prescribed fire in the Camas National Wildlife Refuge in southeast Idaho. The 150-acre prescribed fire was in a bulrush marsh and grassland unit on the refuge. The intent of the burn was to reduce old flammable vegetation near private residences and improve wildlife habitat.

So far there are six photos of the project — here are three of them. All were taken by Lance Roberts, Zone Fire Management Officer. (I need one of those Marsh Masters.)

Big Pond Rx at Camas NWR — The refuge fire staff was assisted by the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Idaho Department of Corrections fire crews to complete the prescribed burn.

Sand hills cranes at Big Pond Rx — Sandhill cranes feeding in the burned area, a numerous variety of waterfowl use this area for nesting and feeding.

Author: Bill Gabbert

After working full time in wildland fire for 33 years, he continues to learn, and strives to be a Student of Fire. View all posts by Bill Gabbert

2 thoughts on “Big Pond prescribed fire in Idaho”

I’ve used a marshmaster on wetland burns. They are great in grassy marshes as pictured. Limitations occur if alot of course woody debris is on ground (i.e., can slip a track). They also have a mower attachment that works great in mowing lines in wetlands.

Otherwise great picture of cranes feeding in burned area!