The 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 firefighters, 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 behavior over the following several days, ultimately threatening thousands of homes in nearby communities. In response, the Forest Service and local agencies, deployed thousands of firefighters and hundreds of firefighting assets, including fire engines, helicopters, and air tankers. This book examines the key issues raised by firefighters, area residents, and others regarding the Forest Service's response to the Station Fire over the adequacy of firefighting assets, strategies, and tactics used.