Prescribed fire basics | OSU Extension Service

Photo: Chris Adlam (Cropped from original)

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

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. ...

Christopher Adlam, Carrie Berger | Feb 2022 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

The Ecological Effects of Fire

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.

Christopher Adlam, Carrie Berger | Feb 2022 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

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 2022 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Smoke Management

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...

Amanda Rau, Stephen Fitzgerald, Emily Jane Davis, Carrie Berger | Feb 2022 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Planning a Prescribed Burn

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.

John Rizza, Christopher Adlam, Dan Leavell, Jacob Putney, Carrie Berger | Feb 2022 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Managing a Prescribed Burn

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,...

John Rizza, Amanda Rau, Carrie Berger | Feb 2022 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Prescribed Fire Basics: Fire 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.

Aaron Groth, Steve Fanis, Emily Jane Davis, Carrie Berger | Apr 2023 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Prescribed Fire Basics: Fuels

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 ...

Ariel Cowan, Christopher Adlam, Carrie Berger | Apr 2023 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Prescribed Fire Basics: Ignition Techniques 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.

John Rizza, Carrie Berger | Apr 2023 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Prescribed Fire Basics: Monitoring and Evaluation

Prescribed fires are used to achieve specific goals. Monitoring and evaluation ensure that the burn plan is followed and its goals are met.

Christopher Adlam, Ariel Cowan, Carrie Berger | Apr 2023 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Prescribed Fire Basics: Safety

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.

Carrie Berger, John Rizza | Apr 2023 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

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