What is a prescribed fire?
A prescribed fire, or controlled burn, is a method of forest management used to clear an area of fuel (dried leaves, shrubs, dead plant matter) that a wildfire could use to spread quicker. As a land management tool, prescribed fire is an efficient and cost-effective way to reduce fuels where physical and social conditions are conducive to its use.
Why is prescribed fire needed?
Prescribed fire can prevent or diminish the scale of wild fires that are becoming far too familiar in California. Though not a quick task, with combined efforts from land owners and local governments we can try our best to take control of future wildfires in California. Cal Fire chief Ken Pimlott said it best, "A little bit of smoke now and a little bit of inconvenience now is well worth offsetting these large damaging fires." By trying our best to increase we can begin working toward managed fire seasons in California.
How is the fire contained and controlled?
Before fire ignition, control lines with fire breaks are established. The fire breaks consist of the removal of the flammable vegetation from an area that is twice the the expected height of the flames at the fire's edge. Prescribed fire is implemented by highly trained professionals and is a planned event that takes place under optimal conditions.
How is smoke safety managed?
Since a prescribed fire is a planned event, the smoke is controlled by carefully selecting the optimal days on the which the burn occurs. Weather forecast and advanced smoke modeling tools are utilized in the planning process to minimize the risk of smoke inhalation. Generally, there is also a news release to inform the local media, who will place the alerts during the news hours or other publications. Road signs are also placed nearby to let drivers know about these prescribed fires.
How do you avoid injuring wildlife?
Every prescribed fire is done with the safety and well-being of all the animals in mind. Since we only burn small areas at a time, animals instinctively know to leave the area. Most of the animals will have ample time get out of the area or seek refuge before the burn impacts them directly.
First and foremost education is key. We need to start by teaching local governments and landowners how a controlled burn can be done safely and effectively in order to prevent or diminish catastrophe down the road. Terra Fuego is partnered with Simtable. A revolutionary technology that provides simulations to educate the public on the effective strategies to deal with environmental disasters by showing them unfold in real time. Looking for a more hands on approach? Get out in the field and watch yourself make a difference by prepping controlled burns. Butte County’s Alliance for Workforce Development wants to give you a job! There’s plenty of work to go around and you can make $15+ an hour depending on experience.
