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How to Make a Controlled Burn

To a landowner, fire is often thought of as a dangerous problem to be avoided at all costs. But fire can actually be a useful tool for improving and sustaining a healthy habitat. Historically, fire has helped to suppress woody plants and encourage the growth of shrubs and grasses, which are essential to wildlife. In the past, these cleansing fires have started naturally by lightning. Today a controlled burn, also known as a prescribed burn, is an important part of managing land.

Things You'll Need

A drip torch
Fire swatters
A backpack water pump
First aid kit

Instructions

- 1
  Choose the time of year to do your burn. Mid to late spring or mid-fall are generally the best times to do a controlled burn, because the summer is the usually the driest time of the year -- which means that fire will have more fuel to burn. Additionally, during this time -- grasses are usually just emerging or turning dormant -- so they are less likely to be damaged.
- 2
  Plan out your burn area. Every burn area should include a firebreak as a safety measure. A firebreak is a cleared area that will prevent the fire from moving into adjoining areas. An existing driveway, walking path or river make great firebreaks. If you do not have an existing one, create a firebreak by removing all plants from the area down to the soil, leaving nothing for the fire to ignite. In general, your firebreak should be 20 feet wide.
- 3
  Apply for permits if required by your area. Many places require that you provide a written plan and submit it for approval prior to your burn. This will vary by area depending on local requirements, so call your local forestry service, state EPA or department of natural resources for more information.
- 4
  Light your fire using a drip torch, which is a can of liquid fuel with a long spout, using one of two methods: a backfire or a parallel fire. A backfire is performed by lighting a strip of fire downwind from the burn area, opposite your firebreak. The wind will move the fire through the burn area, ending at the firebreak. This type of fire is slower and cooler than a parallel burn, making it safer option. A parallel fire is created by lighting two strips of fire on opposite ends of the burn area parallel to the wind. This method is faster and hotter than a backfire and ends when the fire meets in the center. This is a good method when you have an area that is bordered on opposite sides by a firebreak.
- 5
  Control the fire using fire swatters to prevent it from moving into areas that you do not want it in. Using quick, slapping motions, slap the fire to deprive the fire of oxygen.
- 6
  Extinguish your fire using fire swatters. For additional fire suppression, use a backpack water pump to douse the fire with water.
- 7
  Monitor your land for several hours to make sure that the fire is completely extinguished.

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