Oregon State University Extension Service

Prescribed Fire Basics

Prescribed fire is an important tool used for a wide range of purposes including fuels reduction, pasture and timber management, and ecosystem health. Practitioners use their understanding of fire behavior and fire ecology to plan burns that will meet specific objectives. This process involves several steps: scouting and preparing the burn unit, planning the burn, conducting the burn, and monitoring the results.

The goal of the Prescribed Fire Basics collection of modules is to provide introductory-level information to increase understanding of the importance and mechanics of prescribed burns. These modules are intended for anyone looking to better understand the benefits of prescribed fires and how they are conducted. Readers will learn the role prescribed fire plays across Oregon, and get a basic outline of the steps that go into planning and implementing a prescribed burn.

Prescribed Fire: Why We Burn

Oregon State University Extension Service

EM 9339  |  February 2022
View online: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/pub/em-9339

Prescribed Fire: Why We Burn

Christopher Adlam and Carrie Berger
Wildfire burning a field
EM 9339
When is fire a good thing for the forest? Learn some of the reasons behind prescribed fire.
People practice prescribed fire to improve habitat, improve the health of forests and rangelands, and to reduce wildfire risk. Learn how people use prescribed fire for different purposes in different regions of Oregon.
Prescribed burning is the practice of intentional burning to obtain specific results. People practice prescribed fire to improve habitat, improve the health of forests and rangelands, and to reduce wildfire risk. Learn how people use prescribed fire for different purposes in different regions of Oregon.
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© 2022 Oregon State University. Extension work is a cooperative program of Oregon State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Oregon counties. Oregon State University Extension Service offers educational programs, activities, and materials without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, familial/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, genetic information, veteran’s status, reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)

Accessibility: This publication will be made available in an accessible alternative format upon request. Please contact [email protected] or 541-737-3311.

The Ecological Effects of Fire

Oregon State University Extension Service

EM 9340  |  Published February 2022, Reviewed 2023
View online: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/pub/em-9340

The Ecological Effects of Fire

Christopher Adlam and Carrie Berger
New growth after a fire
EM 9340
Prescribed burning is helping to return fire to its natural role in shaping habitats .
Fire has always played a role in shaping Oregon's natural habitats. But fire's place in nature was altered beginning in the 19th century by the end of regular burning by Indigenous people and the beginning of fire suppression practices. This is why prescribed burning is being used today to return fire to its ecological role.
Fire alters landscapes, plant communities, animal habitat, and even water and soil. Fire can sometimes be a force for good, boosting species diversity and ecological resilience. Examine how fire suppression and climate change are altering the ecological effects of fire.
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© 2022 Oregon State University. Extension work is a cooperative program of Oregon State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Oregon counties. Oregon State University Extension Service offers educational programs, activities, and materials without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, familial/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, genetic information, veteran’s status, reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)

Accessibility: This publication will be made available in an accessible alternative format upon request. Please contact [email protected] or 541-737-3311.

Fire Behavior

Fire behavior

Fire behavior is a function of available fuel, site topography and weather. People who practice prescribed burning take all these elements into account to achieve the objectives of the burn.

John Rizza, Christopher Adlam, Carrie Berger | Feb 2026 | OSU Extension Catalog

Smoke Management

Oregon State University Extension Service

EM 9342  |  Published February 2022, Reviewed 2025
View online: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/pub/em-9342

Smoke management

Amanda Rau, Stephen Fitzgerald, Emily Jane Davis and Carrie Berger
smoke over a forest making the sun partially blocked and air hazy
EM 9342
To limit smoke from prescribed burns, fire managers have to make sure conditions are just right.
Prescribed burns are an important tool in preventing wildfires, but the smoke they produce can be more than just a nuisance. Besides reducing visibility, smoke can affect the health and safety of firefighters and the public. Wet fuels, high humidity and inversion layers are some of the conditions that create smoky conditions. Fire managers must plan around those conditions and several others to limit the impacts of smoke.
Prescribed burns are an important tool in preventing wildfires, but the smoke they produce can be more than just a nuisance. Besides reducing visibility, smoke can affect the health and safety of firefighters and the public. Fire planners must make sure that prescribed burns take place under conditions that limit the impacts of smoke.
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© 2022 Oregon State University. Extension work is a cooperative program of Oregon State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Oregon counties. Oregon State University Extension Service offers educational programs, activities, and materials without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, familial/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, genetic information, veteran’s status, reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)

Accessibility: This publication will be made available in an accessible alternative format upon request. Please contact [email protected] or 541-737-3311.

Planning a Prescribed Burn

Oregon State University Extension Service

EM 9343  |  Published February 2022, Reviewed 2023
View online: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/pub/em-9343

Planning a Prescribed Burn

John Rizza, Christopher Adlam, Dan Leavell, Jacob Putney and Carrie Berger
firefighters in a field
EM 9343
cribed burning practitioners follow a detailed burn plan that spells out objectives and ways to achieve them safety.
Prescribed burning practitioners follow a detailed burn plan that spells out objectives and ways to achieve them safety. Burn plans cover equipment, site preparation, smoke management, contingencies, communication and cleanup.
Prescribed burning practitioners follow a detailed burn plan that spells out objectives and ways to achieve them safety. Burn plans cover equipment, site preparation, smoke management, contingencies, communication and cleanup.
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© 2022 Oregon State University. Extension work is a cooperative program of Oregon State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Oregon counties. Oregon State University Extension Service offers educational programs, activities, and materials without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, familial/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, genetic information, veteran’s status, reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)

Accessibility: This publication will be made available in an accessible alternative format upon request. Please contact [email protected] or 541-737-3311.

Managing a Prescribed Burn

Oregon State University Extension Service

EM 9344  |  Published February 2022, Reviewed 2023
View online: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/pub/em-9344

Managing a Prescribed Burn

John Rizza, Amanda Rau and Carrie Berger
Firefighter in field managing a burn
EM 9344
Conducting prescribed burns to prevent wildfires takes detailed planning. Here's how fire managers do it.
Carrying out a prescribed burn takes careful planning. A detailed burn plan lays out objectives and how to achieve them. Before putting fire on the ground, send out notifications and conduct briefings and test fires. Once the burn begins, a variety of tools and tactics ensure the fire is conducted safely and achieves its goals.
Carrying out a prescribed burn takes careful planning. A detailed burn plan lays out objectives and how to achieve them. Before putting fire on the ground, conduct briefings and test fires. Once the burn begins, a variety of tools and tactics keep the fire under control and ensure it accomplishes its goals. After the flames have died down, mop-up and patrol wrap up a successful burn.
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© 2022 Oregon State University. Extension work is a cooperative program of Oregon State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Oregon counties. Oregon State University Extension Service offers educational programs, activities, and materials without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, familial/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, genetic information, veteran’s status, reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)

Accessibility: This publication will be made available in an accessible alternative format upon request. Please contact [email protected] or 541-737-3311.

Fire Weather

Oregon State University Extension Service

EM 9385  |  Published April 2023, Reviewed 2023
View online: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/pub/em-9385

Prescribed Fire Basics: Fire Weather

Aaron Groth, Steve Fanis, Emily Jane Davis and Carrie Berger
two columns of smoke rising from forested hillside
EM 9385
What's the one factor that affects nearly every aspect of a prescribed burn? Weather.
Weather affects nearly every aspect of a prescribed burn. Weather is a matter of safety for those staffing the burn and the public. Understanding fire weather helps practitioners manage smoke and comply with regulations.
Weather affects nearly every aspect of a prescribed burn. Weather is a matter of safety for those staffing the burn and the public. Understanding fire weather helps practitioners manage smoke and comply with regulations.
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© 2023 Oregon State University. Extension work is a cooperative program of Oregon State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Oregon counties. Oregon State University Extension Service offers educational programs, activities, and materials without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, familial/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, genetic information, veteran’s status, reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)

Accessibility: This publication will be made available in an accessible alternative format upon request. Please contact [email protected] or 541-737-3311.

Fuels

Oregon State University Extension Service

EM 9386  |  Published April 2023, Reviewed 2023
View online: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/pub/em-9386

Prescribed Fire Basics: Fuels

Ariel Cowan, Christopher Adlam and Carrie Berger
Fire consuming pine trees at night
EM 9386
Prescribed fire focuses on addressing the overabundance of fuels on the ground. Fuels can include grass, leaf litter, sticks, shrubs and trees. Along with weather and topography, fuel is one of the key factors that affect how a fire behaves during a prescribed burn.
Prescribed fire focuses on addressing the overabundance of fuels on the ground. Fuels can include grass, leaf litter, sticks, shrubs and trees. Along with weather and topography, fuel is one of the key factors that affect how a fire behaves during a prescribed burn. Fuel size, shape, compactness, chemical composition, arrangement, moisture content and amount influence fire intensity, rate of spread and burn severity.
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© 2023 Oregon State University. Extension work is a cooperative program of Oregon State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Oregon counties. Oregon State University Extension Service offers educational programs, activities, and materials without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, familial/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, genetic information, veteran’s status, reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)

Accessibility: This publication will be made available in an accessible alternative format upon request. Please contact [email protected] or 541-737-3311.

Ignition Techniques and Tools

Oregon State University Extension Service

EM 9387  |  Published April 2023, Reviewed 2023
View online: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/pub/em-9387

Prescribed Fire Basics: Ignition Techniques and Tools

John Rizza and Carrie Berger
man wearing PPE using red drip torch
EM 9387
The right ignition technique will ensure that a prescribed fire meets objectives.
The right ignition technique will ensure that a prescribed fire meets objectives. The plan will call for specific techniques, firing patterns and tools.
The right ignition technique will ensure that a prescribed fire meets objectives. Fuel, weather conditions, resources and topography are all part of the ignition plan. The plan calls for specific techniques, firing patterns and tools.
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© 2023 Oregon State University. Extension work is a cooperative program of Oregon State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Oregon counties. Oregon State University Extension Service offers educational programs, activities, and materials without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, familial/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, genetic information, veteran’s status, reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)

Accessibility: This publication will be made available in an accessible alternative format upon request. Please contact [email protected] or 541-737-3311.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Oregon State University Extension Service

EM 9388  |  Published April 2023, Reviewed 2023
View online: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/pub/em-9388

Prescribed Fire Basics: Monitoring and Evaluation

Christopher Adlam, Ariel Cowan and Carrie Berger
burned area, scorched trees
EM 9388
Prescribed fires are used to achieve specific goals. Monitoring and evaluation ensure that the burn plan is followed and its goals are met.
Prescribed fires are used to achieve specific goals. Monitoring and evaluation ensure that the burn plan is followed and its goals are met.
Prescribed fires are used to achieve specific goals. Monitoring and evaluation ensure that the burn plan is followed and its goals are met.
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© 2023 Oregon State University. Extension work is a cooperative program of Oregon State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Oregon counties. Oregon State University Extension Service offers educational programs, activities, and materials without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, familial/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, genetic information, veteran’s status, reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)

Accessibility: This publication will be made available in an accessible alternative format upon request. Please contact [email protected] or 541-737-3311.

Safety

Oregon State University Extension Service

EM 9389  |  April 2023
View online: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/pub/em-9389

Prescribed Fire Basics: Safety

Carrie Berger and John Rizza
5 fire crew members dressed in yellow and black protective gear
EM 9389
Prescribed fire, like any fire, entails risk. Learn how to stay safe on the ground with these tips.
Safety is the No. 1 priority on a prescribed burn. To stay safe, wear Personal Protective Equipment, take steps to prevent heat exhaustion, use the right tools and follow the burn plan.
Prescribed fire, like any fire, entails risk. To stay safe, wear Personal Protective Equipment, take steps to prevent heat exhaustion, use the right tools and follow the burn plan. Here are more tips to keep you safe on the ground.
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© 2023 Oregon State University. Extension work is a cooperative program of Oregon State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Oregon counties. Oregon State University Extension Service offers educational programs, activities, and materials without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, familial/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, genetic information, veteran’s status, reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)

Accessibility: This publication will be made available in an accessible alternative format upon request. Please contact [email protected] or 541-737-3311.

Liability in Oregon

Prescribed fire basics: Liability in Oregon

In rare cases, prescribed fire may lead to damages. Landowners can take precautions to reduce the chances of fire escaping and causing harm.

Jordon N. Lindsey, Ariel Cowan, Kasey Johnson, Dan Leavell, Amy Markus, Jason Pettigrew, Jillian Pihulak, John Punches, John Rizza, Jenessa Stemke, Carrie Berger | Sep 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog

Landowners' Options for Prescribed Burning

Oregon State University Extension Service

EM 9496  |  April 2025
View online: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/em9496

Landowners’ options for prescribed burning

Carrie Berger and Christopher Adlam
three people in safety helmets hold a fire line in a forested area
EM 9496
Find out what property owners need to know about prescribed fire.
Growing interest in prescribed fire is catching the attention of landowners. Property owners have a range of options for burning their land, depending on their objectives and the size and complexity of the burn. Some may have the necessary equipment, experience and time to manage a burn themselves, while others may hire a third party to handle prescribed burns.
Growing interest in prescribed fire is catching the attention of landowners. Learn what you need to know to apply the practice to your property — starting with defining your goals.
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© 2025 Oregon State University. Extension work is a cooperative program of Oregon State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Oregon counties. Oregon State University Extension Service offers educational programs, activities, and materials without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, familial/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, genetic information, veteran’s status, reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)

Accessibility: This publication will be made available in an accessible alternative format upon request. Please contact [email protected] or 541-737-3311.

Mar 2022
Man in hard hat with a burning pile of debris in forest setting
Source URL: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/collection/prescribed-fire-basics