Prescribed Burning

by Toni M. Flax, Rangeland Management Specialist
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Stockton, Kansas

"Today at 5:00 p.m. – There is a wildfire burning out of control near your location…..fire crews are on the scene, but officials say that the wind is hampering efforts to extinguish the flames……" In Kansas this story is most likely concerning a grass fire and whether it was started by lightning, someone throwing out a cigarette, burning trash, sparks from a train, or even someone purposely burning, it strikes fear in our minds. Damages, expenses, and nothing good can come from a wildfire. These are the thoughts of many people. However, when done properly, a good burn on our native pastures and Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) fields has shown great benefits, the difference being a wildfire versus a prescribed burn.

A prescribed burn starts as a plan written with goals/objectives and a specific set of conditions. It is NOT – It looks like a good day to burn. Do I have a match? I will call the local fire department when I want it put out. These are the situations that cause problems.

The goals and objectives of a prescribed burn are some of the most important pieces of the plan. Without goals and objectives we are unable to measure our success or failure. A popular goal is brush management, especially for eastern red cedar, honey locust, and plum thickets. Fire also removes litter buildup in areas like CRP fields which can reduce the chance of a wildfire. It also stimulates the growth of the warm-season grasses and forbs. We can also reduce the growth and spread of cool-season grasses, such as smooth brome. Fire can also be used as a tool to improve grazing distribution. If you have ever seen a pasture that has had a wildfire which burned part of the field, you will notice where cattle will choose to graze. The best way to even out grazing distribution concerns would be to burn the whole pasture or target another area of the pasture for prescribed burning to encourage the cattle to more evenly use the whole pasture.

If you have questions, would like to know more about prescribed burning, or are interested in having a plan written, please contact your local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office or conservation district office located at your local county USDA Service Center.

For more information about NRCS programs, visit the Kansas NRCS Web site at www.ks.nrcs.usda.gov.

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Last Modified: 12/21/2007