Station Fire: Lessons for Future Wildland Fire Management

In 2009, a wildland fire in the Angeles National Forest in California known as the Station Fire led to the death of two fire-fighters, destroyed 89 homes and dozens of other structures, and burned more than 160,000 acres. After escaping initial containment efforts, the Station Fire underwent periods of rapid growth and extreme fire behaviour over the following several days, ultimately threatening thousands of homes in nearby communities. In response, the Forest Service and local agencies, deployed thousands of fire-fighters and hundreds of fire-fighting assets, including fire engines, helicopters, and air tankers. This book examines the key issues raised by fire-fighters, area residents, and others regarding the Forest Service’s response to the Station Fire over the adequacy of fire-fighting assets, strategies, and tactics used.