Extended Attack, Project Fires, and Mega-Fires

Fires that are not contained or controlled by initial attack require an extended attack, involving additional firefighting resources ordered and supervised by the Incident Commander (IC) in conjunction with the dispatcher. A fire that is designated as an extended attack incident has essentially exceeded the control capabilities of the initial attack forces, an admission that the fire could transition to an even larger dilemma (Omi In Press). The IC might need to shift thinking from keeping the fire as small as possible to a realization that the potential fire behavior is simply too extreme to maintain firefighter safety. If the incident continues to grow in size and complexity, and still seems uncontrollable, the fire may be called a project fire, or campaign fire, requiring perhaps a more complex organization (Type II or Type I incident), and possibly including a fire camp for feeding, lodging, and equipping firefighters from across the country for a time period lasting up to two weeks. Mega-fires require even more people, more equipment, and greater commitment of financial resources.

Extended attack fires and the mega-fire are the two most important and challenging fires to suppress because of 1) safety and 2) their exorbitant cost (Williams 2003). Nationally, 70% of fatalities occur on extended attack fires, usually as the fire transitions from an attackable fire to one that should not be confronted. Extended attack fires typically occur during periods of high fire danger, when suppression crews with minimal supervisory oversight are fatigued and overmatched by the expanding fire. Although typically representing only 1% of all ignitions, large project and mega-fires may account for as much as 80% of suppression costs and 90% of annual burned area. The best response to mega-fires may be to observe the fire and wait for favorable weather, rather than attempting an aggressive attack.