Why are prescribed burns conducted?

Fire prevents brush and trees from overtaking the prairie, prevents build-up of dead vegetation that encourages weeds and retards new growth, and improves habitat for prairie birds, mammals and butterflies, many of them endangered. Many "exotic" grasses (introduced from Europe or Asia) such as Kentucky bluegrass and smooth brome, threaten to overwhelm the native prairie community. These cool-season grasses which grow quickly and flower in spring can be set back by burns in May, allowing the summer-flowering native prairie grasses to flourish.

How are burns controlled?

Each individual on a six-person crew is responsible for the success of the burn. Burns will be undertaken only within "prescription" conditions--weather that permits safe burning. Mowed fire breaks or burned strips (black lines) outline the prairie unit to be burned. The "ring firing technique" is used: Using drip torches, crew members start by setting a back fire into the wind along a specified line. Generally several hours later a head fire is set. This eventually meets the back fire, extinguishing them both. Using water tanks and "flappers," crew members extinguish flames as necessary. The last step is "mop up". The crew makes certain that old fence posts, cow chips or tree limbs near the burn perimeter are completely free of smoke or flame before leaving the site. Permits are obtained from local offices of the Department of Natural Resources. Local fire departments, county sheriff's offices and preserve neighbors are notified the day of the burn.