P-A-C plans

In prescribed fire planning the Primary and Alternate plans are usually part of the holding plan. Often, the alternate plan is a variation of the primary plan used if conditions change, such as a slopover or spot fire. The primary and alternate components of the holding plan address the resources and actions necessary to keep the prescribed fire within the burn unit. The resources necessary for this component would be identified as the minimum holding resources in the prescribed burn plan.

The Contingency plan exists in case something does not go as planned, i.e., the Alternate plan was unsuccessful, and the fire has overwhelmed the capability of the holding crew members. In prescribed burn planning, secondary control lines should be identified as contingency lines. These control lines may be roads, trails, green fields or streams where defensive burn out operations can be initiated. These contingency lines should be identified on the burn plan map. The Contingency plan may also identify additional equipment to have on standby, such as tractors with disks or plows or dozers, in the event the Contingency plan is initiated.