Models of engagement: developing a fire management plan
The development of a fire management plan should start with a sound planning process which involves local community consultation, an investigation of the previous fire history of the area, and a decision on who has ownership of the fire management plan. Only once this planning has been completed, and there is a comprehensive understanding of the environment (both biotic and abiotic components), can the full plan be developed.
In its most basic form, the fire management plan process follows the outline below:
- Consultation with community of interest
- Setting of negotiated goals and objectives
- Actions – working out how the objectives can be achieved (practicalities of fire management)
- Outcomes – monitor to assess the outcome of fire management in achieving goals
- Evaluation – feedback and alteration of actions where necessary
The next topics cover three processes involved in fire management planning. These are:
- Capacity building
- Participatory and consultative practices
- Adaptive management
