Education and Training
Prescribed Fire Basics Do you want to learn the ins and outs of fire ecology, fuels, fire weather, and prescribed fire implementation? The Prescribed Fire Basics modules from Oregon State University Extension covers the introductory-level foundations of prescribed fire from planning to implementation. While some information is Oregon specific, the two states have very similar […]
Permitting and Fire Restrictions
Permits for Broadcast and Pile Burns To conduct a prescribed burn in Washington state, including both broadcast and pile burns, you will most likely need to secure a burn permit from the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Broadcast Burn If you are conducting a broadcast prescribed burn, you want to complete a burn […]
Planning and Fuels
Fire Operations
Managing a Burn After Action Review An After Action Review or AAR is a useful tool to cap off the completion of your prescribed burn and capture valuable lessons learned throughout the day. The intention of an AAR is not to point fingers or assign blame; rather an AAR should be an open, honest […]
Weather and Smoke
Weather Prediction and Forecast National Weather Service The National Weather Service (NWS) provides forecasts and other predictive services for weather that are highly useful for prescribed fire practitioners. NWS Fire Weather Page Fire Weather Dashboard: Get point forecasts for fire weather, including mixing heights. This video [YouTube link] provides an overview on how to use […]
Laws and Liability
There are inherent risks when conducting a prescribed burn and it is the responsibility of the landowner and burn leader to understand state and local laws. It is important to understand who is liable, how to manage that risk to conduct burns safely, and how to reduce and share liability on a burn. It is […]
Outreach and Public Communications
It is important to notify your neighbors, community, local fire department, and other relevant authorities prior to a burn. Not only can fire be alarming to those who are not expecting it, smoke can be extremely hazardous to certain groups of people, including those with existing lung conditions. By communicating well in advance and providing […]
Forest Stewardship
Pre-burn forest stewardship and planning Prior to planning or implementing a burn, it may be beneficial to consult with a forester for an overall assessment of your land and to provide recommendations for long-term management and treatments, connection to cost-share funding, development of a Forest Stewardship Plan, and more. Connect to DNR small landowner foresters […]
