2013 Prescribed Fire in January

Firebreak in foreground and prescribed fire

Smoke, down the road

Prescribed fire season is typically during the winter months of Dec., Jan. and February. One would be hard pressed to be among habitat managers presently and not here some talk about controlled burning. Each burn is different since they are affected by variable factors such as humidity, temperature and wind. Fire managers use their experience to prepare for the safest possible outcome, but they also have to recognize weather forecasts that do not bode well for 'fire in the woods.' Why does prescribed fire matter? First, it reduces the fuel load in the woods in case there is ever a wildlife scenario, something that is not out of the realm of possibility since the South is in a prolonged state of drought. Second, it reduces competition from woody vegetation for the pine trees that most folks are growing to harvest one day. Third, wildlife value an area that has ben burned in winter because it comes back strong with lush green grasses and cover in spring. Prescribed fire is best served up on a regular regime, or rotation, meaning not too much all at once, and certainly don't go too long in between burns. It's an annual duty for land managers, and while it is not quite the same as being on the hunt, it is an outdoors endeavor that is worthy of one's time. Those who practice prescribed fire are a friend of the environment, and in general, we need more advocates and stewards of PX fires!

Blackened ground after the fire

To view past blog entries about prescribed fire click here.