FIRE EQUIPMENT can spread Aquatic invasive species
Invasive species such as zebra mussels and New Zealand mudsnails may adhere to the surfaces of tanks, pumps, and hoses. They can be transmitted to uncontaminated water sources if this equipment is not drained and dried completely or decontaminated.
The National Wildfire Coordinating Group and the Invasive Species Subcommittee have approved this ‘Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations’, an interagency, nationwide guide to mitigate the risk of transporting and spreading invasive species in all fire management activities.
Idaho watercraft inspection station assisting with AIS decontamination of wildland fire equipment.
The intent is to provide:
• Best management practices to prevent contact with and spread of invasive species,
• The best procedures for decontaminating ground and aviation equipment &
• AIS prevention recommendations for resource advisors.