Prescribed Fire Planning Arkansas Prescribed Fire Workshop Fort Chaffee 17-20 September 2002

What differentiates planning for a prescribed fire from wildfire? You have time and information to plan and prepare

Pre-burn planning basics Why do we burn? Because it’s fun? To achieve broad land management goals and specific objectives Significant legal, safety, and health issues Determine burn units, burn timing, seasonality, frequency

General Site Description: Elements of Concern Animals Wildlife Plants Plant communities

1. What 2 do first?: Determine Objectives 75%+ unit coverage. 50% duff removal. 80% understory topkill. Overstory char class 0.5 – 2.0. Overstory char degree 1.0 – 2.0. Overstory scorch height 10 ft +. Overstory scorch class 25-50% crowns. 2. Desired fire behavior 3. Optimal weather prescription

Firelines Location Natural barriers Man-made barriers Installed Type - hard or soft Width Installation

Confirm accessibility Hazards Personnel Equipment With PPE Under burn conditions Within unit Outside unit Prioritize them

1. Prepare unit to minimize hazards prior to the burn. 2. Prioritize hazards. Going to need to do the work sometime. You choose when you want to do it. Include hazard reduction in the plan while it is fresh in your mind. Missed one

Neighbors Neighbor Notifications Pre management visit Pre-burn letter Post sign Day of burn visit Who are they? Residences Schools Airports Highways Agricultural operations Asthmatics