Prescribed burning : using fire wisely

Assistance

Burning is carried out by personnel certified in Prescribed Burning. Your local Georgia Forestry Commission, trained land managers, and professional consulting foresters can write plans and assist with the procedure.

Prescriibbeedd Burninngg - Using FUisriengWFiirseeWlyisely

Fig. 6, 7, & 8 - Predator beetles being used to control HWA. From top: Sasajiscymnus tsugae, Laricobious nigrinus, and Scymnus sinuanodulus.

What is Prescribed Burning? Defined as a prescribed fire (Rx fire), which is a safe way to apply a natural process, ensure ecosystem health, and reduce wildfire risk.

A Healthy Approach Prevention plays a primary role in managing ecosystem health. Just as physicians prescribe treatments for personal long-term medical benefits, guidelines have been developed by forestry professionals to help us manage our ecological environments. Through awareness and education, we can avoid potential dangers that can cause irreparable harm to our forests, our homes, and to wildlife.
History Early American settlers found Native Americans using fire in virgin pine stands and adopted the practice to provide better access, improve hunting, and to remove brush and timber for farming. Land managers have used fire since the early 1900s. Controlled burning has many economic and ecological benefits when managed properly.

Learn Before You Burn Prescribed Burning is defined as a prescribed fire (Rx fire), which is a safe way to apply a natural process, ensure ecosystem health, and reduce wildfire risk. If this definition sounds complicated, that is because Prescribed Burning is a very delicate process that should be managed and executed by professionals. Your local Georgia Forestry Commission can offer valuable assistance with Prescribed Burning. Professional foresters and forest rangers consult with landowners to develop forest management strategies, write Prescribed Burning plans, and recommend certified personnel for Prescribed Burning execution.

Benefits of Prescribed Burning

Fuel Reduction One of the most important reasons for Prescribed Burning is to reduce naturally occurring fuels within forest areas, especially those near populated urban areas. Prescribed Burning reduces the risk of life threatening wildfire and economically devastating timber loss.
Site Preparation Prescribed Burning is the most affordable, environmentally sound method for preparing an area for seeding or planting. Harvest remnants may retain nutrients that could be used by new plantings while inhibiting mechanical replanting. Prescribed Burning hastens the return of the nutrients to the soil and removes the brush for efficient replanting.
Disease Control Certain pathogens that reduce growth in pines or other species can be controlled or eliminated with Prescribed Burning. Fire destroys diseased foliage, while fire tolerant trees remain undamaged and healthy.
Wildlife Management Prescribed Burning is actually an efficient and economical tool for improving the habitat for certain wildlife species and maintaining wildlife populations.
Biological Community Restoration & Maintenance Prescribed Burning is an irreplaceable process in maintaining biological diversity and balance. Many plant and wildlife species are dependent on periodic fire. Plant species have developed fire tolerant tendencies. Many species on federal and state endangered lists depend on fire for their survival. Simply replanting areas with local species is not adequate for natural systems restoration. Prescribed Burning is critical to replenishing types of vegetation that attract wildlife to the area.

Special

The Georgia Forestry Commission has

Considerations - developed a set of Prescribed Burning

A process of

guidelines that lead to safe and efficient

such enormous results. Following is a list of critical

capabilities also has the capability of being destructive if not managed

factors that must be considered in developing a Prescribed Burning plan. Professional assistance is available from certified prescribed burners and trained land managers. Call the Georgia Forestry Commission for more specific

and implemented information.

by an experienced

and qualified

Professional Fire Control

certifed burn

A qualified team of certified personnel

manager.

should plan and execute the burn.

Sufficient holding crew and equipment

should be on site during the burn.

Property Protection Properly prepare area prior to prescribed burning to ensure the fire is confined within the boundaries.

Smoke Impact A professional smoke management plan is recommended in many cases to accurately assess impact on smoke-sensitive areas including roads, residences, towns, etc.

Wind Predictability Steady winds are critical for success. Ideal speeds vary from 3-5 mph in the stand, based upon goals.

Preferred Relative Humidity Preferred relative humidity ranges from 30-55%.

Optimum Temperatures Temperatures less than 60 degrees are generally preferred, but higher temperatures may be utilized to meet specific objectives.

Fine Fuel Moisture Forest fuels such as pine straw, leaves, and grasses, should have a moisture content of 5-10%.