Reference Manual 18: Wildland Fire Management

Division of Fire and Aviation; National Park Service

Reference Manual 18: Wildland Fire Management, chapters 1 through 21 represents the most detailed and comprehensive guidance on implementing Service-wide wildland fire management policy for the National Park Service. Reference Manual 18 (RM 18) provides NPS field employees legal references, operating policies, standards, procedures, general information, recommendations, and examples to assist them in carrying out Management Policies and Director’s Orders. This document is intended to be read in its entirety. While certain chapters or sections provide important guidance by themselves, there is an interrelationship among the chapters that provides clarity and continuity for the management of wildland fire on lands administered by the National Park Service.