Wildfires are a growing threat, especially in Oregon, where climate change and plentiful vegetation provide a perfect breeding ground for these disasters. The ability to quickly access and utilize water resources is essential for containing fires, protecting lives and property, and preventing further devastation.
The use of fire suppression ponds has proven to be an effective strategy for water access. However, repeated severe droughts are a significant challenge.
Understanding Wildfires and Their Threat
Wildfires are uncontrolled fires that rapidly spread across vegetation and forest areas. They pose significant threats to both the environment and human life. In regions like Oregon, the danger is amplified due to the state’s rigorous terrain and expanding Wildland/Urban Interface (WUI).
Further complicating the matter, changing climate conditions trigger longer, more intense fire seasons. The vegetation, primarily composed of conifer forests, provides ample fuel for these fires.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts a substantial increase in the occurrence of very large fires in the coming years due to the overall rise in temperature. For example, in the Great Plains and Northwest sections of the fire-prone Western US, including Oregon, the number of weeks a very large fire could occur is expected to increase by 400-600% by 2042.
With fire seasons lengthening, pressure is increasing to develop and implement effective fire suppression strategies.
The Importance of Ample Water Supplies in Firefighting
With its low cost and benign environmental impact, water is the primary extinguisher in firefighting by cooling and smothering the flames to prevent further spread. Without sufficient water, firefighters have limited means to combat fire, increasing risks to equipment and personnel.
While alternative methods such as flame retardants, fire breaks, and controlled backfires can be employed, water remains a key component.
Clearly, water plays a pivotal role in various fire suppression strategies. Here are some of the key ways that water is utilized in firefighting:
Water Sources and Infrastructure:
Firefighters rely heavily on accessible and reliable water sources to pump or replenish their supplies. These include lakes, rivers, reservoirs, and hydrants strategically located near fire-prone areas.
Constructed fire ponds provide quick access to water for aerial and ground-based firefighting tactics. Firewater ponds are situated carefully and regularly maintained to ensure a steady water supply during firefighting operations.
Water Usage Strategies:
Firefighters employ various strategies to make the most efficient use of existing water resources. These strategies include prioritizing critical areas, such as homes and infrastructure, and using techniques like water curtains and spray patterns to maximize the coverage and effectiveness of water applications.
By carefully managing and allocating existing supplies, firefighters can optimize their firefighting efforts and reduce the pressure on stored water resources.
Overcoming Water Scarcity Challenges
When faced with limited water supplies, firefighters must adapt and find innovative solutions to ensure active fire suppression. Some common strategies include:
Alternative Water Sources
In areas where traditional water sources are scarce, firefighters employ a variety of alternative options. They might carry bladder bags or use pack mules to transport water from nearby fire ponds or natural sources such as lakes or streams. By diversifying water sources, firefighters can overcome distance limitations and continue their firefighting operations.
Creative Water-Hauling Techniques
Firefighters employ creative and unconventional methods to transport water to fire-affected areas. These methods can involve using ATVs suited to rugged terrain or shuttle systems to haul in a steady water supply. By adapting their water-hauling strategies, firefighters can maintain an uninterrupted water flow despite scarce water sources.
Enhanced Preparedness and Planning
Firefighters also invest in comprehensive preparedness and planning to prepare for situations where adequate water supplies are questionable. The planning process includes:
- Conducting surveys to identify and assess the availability of water sources.
- Predicting water availability.
- Strategically positioning additional resources for efficient water delivery.
By proactively anticipating water scarcity challenges, firefighters can better allocate resources and respond effectively during emergencies.
The Role of Fire Suppression Ponds in the WUI
Fire suppression ponds serve as a crucial water source for rural areas along the WUI that do not have access to robust municipal water systems or large water mains. Fire suppression ponds are typically equipped with a dry hydrant, a non-pressurized pipe that allows for rapid water extraction by firefighting vehicles.
The significant advantage of fire suppression ponds is their ability to provide a large amount of water in areas where it isn’t always available, especially along the WUI.
For instance, a single-family dwelling fire may require up to 300 gallons of water per minute for effective firefighting. This amount would quickly deplete the water reserves of a standard firefighting vehicle. However, with a fire suppression pond nearby, the firefighting team can replenish their water supply and continue their efforts to control the fire.
The Role of Fire Suppression Ponds in the Wildlands
Wildland fire suppression ponds have a unique advantage in maintaining their effectiveness for wildfire incidents. During increasingly common extreme precipitation events, including massive atmospheric rivers and record-breaking snowfall, fire ponds can collect and retain precipitation, quickly reaching full capacity.
Since remote wildland ponds aren’t faced with conflicting demands from water-starved communities like many rivers and streams, they are more likely to be at full capacity when wildfire season arrives.
By capturing excess water and retaining it until needed, these ponds provide a reliable source for firefighting operations, reducing the strain on local water supplies and minimizing conflicts with communities facing drought or water scarcity. This proactive approach ensures that firefighters have access to sufficient water resources when battling wildfires while also addressing the needs of communities in water-stressed areas.
The Future of Fire Suppression in Oregon
By utilizing alternative water sources, employing creative water-hauling techniques, and enhancing preparedness and planning, firefighters can continue to protect lives, property, and wilderness areas.
Ongoing efforts to construct fire ponds represent crucial steps toward ensuring a reliable and accessible water supply for firefighting operations. As we continue to face the increasing threat of wildfires and water scarcity, it is essential to prioritize the preservation and availability of water resources to support effective and efficient fire suppression efforts.
Oregon’s proactive approach to enhancing its fire suppression capabilities and tackling water scarcity provides a hopeful example for other regions facing similar threats.
