.11 Before ignition, moisture levels within the soil, forest fuels, and the air should be sufficient to prevent major exposure or damage to the mineral soil, especially on moderate to severely erosive soils.

.12 Install firelines parallel to streams outside the SMZ. Do not plow firelines through the SMZ. Firelines within the  SMZ should be constructed by hand.

.13 On final harvest cuts, when slopes of the site exceed 20 percent, individual fire strips should not exceed 300 ft. in width between ignition and burnout. Buffers or breaks are recommended on slopes exceeding 20 percent.

.21 During wildfire emergencies, firefighting activitiew are not restricted by BMPs. Potential erosion problems should be corrected soon as a wildfire is suppressed.

.22 Actively eroding gullies should be stabilized as part of wildfire reclamation.

.23 Inspect fire lines periodically and stabilize as needed to minimize runoff entering streams.

Control practices can be implemented during fireline construction to prevent erosion. Periodic inspection and proper maintenance can prevent erosion on established firelines.

.31 Use barriers such as roads, rights of way, and plowed fields as firelines.

.32 Install firelines on the contour as much as possible.

.33 Use bladed or harrowed firelines instead of plowed firelines whenever possible.

.34 On slopes exceeding 5 percent, and at approaches to streams and roads, install water bars with water turnouts in firelines according to the BMP recommendations for skid trails. (See section 5.40, page 17)

.35 Use hand tools or back blade firelines away from the edge of gullies, streams, or roads.

.41 Mowing or disking, rather than blading, should be used to maintain firelines to reduce exposing mineral soil