What is integrated fire management?

Integrated fire management (IFM) involves a set of planned actions aimed at minimizing the negative impacts of fire while promoting or restoring its beneficial uses. This approach includes prevention, detection, suppression, restoration as well as natural resource management, and places a high emphasis on community participation. It also encompasses the social and cultural use of fire and its alternatives, as well as awareness-raising, communication, and community-based wildfire management. It is important to note that not all actions taken under an IFM approach involve the direct use of fire (e.g. prescribed burns). However, they all intentionally influence wildfire dynamics. 

Two main differences could be highlighted between IFM and existing fire management approaches in Western countries: the focus of current fire management is on suppression (including related actions such as preparedness and early detection) and using a top-down approach to decision-making. Following an IFM approach entails a shift in the governance where local communities have a more relevant role both in the decision-making process as well as in other prevention activities. This can vary and include extensive grazing and/or farming activities as well as cultural and/or prescribed burns. 

Further reading

Myers, R. L. (2006). Living with Fire—Sustaining Ecosystems and Livelihoods Through Integrated Fire Management. The Nature Conservancy. Global Fire Initiative. June 2006.