Background
The Fire Management Task Force (FMTF) was authorized by a CECW-ON memorandum dated 9 June 1998, subject "Fire Management Task Force."
Although fire is a natural part of our ecosystem, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers did not have a fire management policy in place. This shortfall hindered the Corps' ability to meet the professional standards it subscribes to for accomplishing its natural resource stewardship goals and increased the Corps' liability concerning fire management.
To address this concern, the Fire Management Task Force was authorized to gather and analyze data to assist in the development of an effective and efficient Corps fire management program.
Charter
Activities and Products
The FMTF has met twice in Washington, DC. The first meeting (21-23 July 1998) was to review the charter and develop the action plan. The second meeting (13 - 16 April 1999) was to compile information gathered from a data call and start writing the policy. There was a teleconference between the two meetings (18 November 1998) to discuss the data call information and interpret data. Now that the draft ER/EP and Safety Manual have been reviewed by the field (Fall/Winter of 2000) and while comments are being received, the FMTF may choose to meet one last time at HQUSACE to finalize the Fire Management Program. Otherwise, the document will be finalized via our home stations and through communication via electronic mail, which has worked out quite well.
