Exploring the Origin of Bootleg Fire: A Wildland Fire Incident

The name Bootleg Fire has sparked curiosity, especially among those who are not firefighters. Often mistaken for a geographical feature, it is in fact a strategic decision made during an incident managed under the Incident Command System (ICS). This article delves into the true meaning behind the name and provides a comprehensive understanding of wildland fire management.

What Does the Bootleg in 'Bootleg Fire' Refer to?

Some interpretations focus on the word bootleg as an illegal activity, such as making and smuggling moonshine. However, in the context of firefighting, the term bootleg has a very different meaning and origin.

Standard Practices in Wildland Fire Management

Wildland fires are managed under strict protocols, primarily through the use of the Incident Command System (ICS), which has been a part of federal mandates since the late 1970s. This system is specifically designed to manage wildland fires and other complex incidents. In the case of the National Interagency Incident Management System (NIIMS), a common name is assigned to the fire upon the arrival of firefighting forces. This name is typically derived from a local feature such as a road, river, or hill, and it remains with the incident until the fire is fully contained.

For the Bootleg Fire, the name was decided by the initial attack Incident Commander (IC) upon the arrival of firefighting forces. It is likely that the IC chose the name based on the proximity or the significance of the local creek in the area, which bears the name Bootleg Spring.

Origin of Bootleg Stream and the Fire's Eponymous Feature

The Bootleg Fire was named after Bootleg Stream, a local waterway where the fire was originally burning. Interestingly, the term bootleg has a historical etymology connected to illegal activities. It originated from smugglers hiding contraband in the boots of their legs, leading to the term being synonymous with any illegal or illicit activities.

While the creek is called Bootleg Spring, the fire likely started closer to another location. The name Bootleg was chosen for the area where the fire was burning, reflecting the strategic and local nature of fire management.

Understanding Wildland Fire Management

The incident command system provides a standardized approach to managing wildland fires. Each incident involves a series of steps, from initial assessment and containment to eventual suppression and post-fire operations. The name of the fire, often chosen by the Incident Commander, serves as a point of reference and helps in coordinating efforts among different responding units.

In the case of the Bootleg Fire, the choice of the name Bootleg underscores the collaborative and strategic nature of the firefighting effort. The name, while potentially confusing to those outside the firefighting community, is a clear and logical choice based on the local geography and fire management best practices.

Conclusion

The name Bootleg Fire is a testament to the complex and strategic nature of wildland fire management. It references the local features and the Incident Command System's protocol rather than any illegal activities. Understanding these practices helps in appreciating the depth and significance of emergency management efforts in wildland settings.

To summarize, the term bootleg in Bootleg Fire does not refer to an illegal business but is a strategic choice made by the Incident Commander for the specific location where the fire was burning. The name is part of a larger, standardized system for managing and communicating about wildland fires.