Fire is most frequently recognized for its danger and destruction, but like the benefits of burning that provides heat in our houses and internal combustion in our car engines, a prescribed fire can be an important land management tool.
The most important element of the use of any tool is knowing how to operate it safely, and to that end the state Department of Conservation is holding a free workshop in Hillsboro for landowners to learn and prepare a burning plan.
The class is scheduled from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 10, at the University of Missouri Extension Office. For reservations call 636-300-1953, ext. 4162.
Private land conservationist Alex Ruff said the class is limited to 25 participants, and it has been filling fast. He plans to schedule another if the response overwhelms the room size.
“It’s the first one we’ve held in Hillsboro in a couple of years,” Ruff said. “If you can’t get in this time, we will have another one in the fall or next spring.”
How landowners use fire will be dependent on their topography and land management goals, Ruff said. The conservation department relies heavily on burning to manage state properties.
“Prescribed fire is good for several different things. It can be used for removing invasive species like honeysuckle bush and promoting landscape diversity,” Ruff said. “It is one of our main management techniques. We use it as much as we possibly can. Department areas can serve as an icon for landowners to see how it can be applied.”
Conservation land managers are not the first to use fire as a tool. Native Americans relied on blazes to control growth on a totally different looking landscape hundreds of years ago.
“They discovered that when the prairies would burn, they would come back greener the following year, and the buffalo would prefer to feed in those areas, concentrating the animals and improving their hunting,” Ruff said.
Because of the danger and liability, attending the workshop is a requirement to create a state-approved burn plan.
“Some of the things we will go into is having a safe crew and keeping everyone safe. We also talk about structural liability and smoke liability. Once you light that match, you are responsible for what happens next,” Ruff said.
The required number of members on the fire crew depends on the size of the planned burn, but Ruff said a crew should include no less than four and could need up to 20 or 25 members working as monitors, controlling fire lines, preparing fire breaks and keeping the flames managed.
The plans also include the local fire district and other important telephone numbers needed before burning begins. Even the best prepared plans can be undone by conditions.
“Weather is the No. 1 factor in deciding when to have a fire or not,” Ruff said. “Each burn plan will include limitations. Humidity level is one consideration and wind is a big factor. On a sunny day, the humidity goes down throughout the day.”
Moisture levels also matter in the land that is being burned. In the current drought conditions, fires will burn faster and more aggressively, he said.
“People have to realize that fire can be one of the main tools in the tool box, but they have to know how to use it safely,” Ruff said.
Landowners can call Ruff for assistance with other property management questions. Some he may be able to answer on the telephone, but for larger properties, he will schedule a visit to evaluate the landscape and may be able to help find grants to help cover the costs of implementing the plans.
“They can just call me. During the busy seasons I try to book visits two or three weeks in advance,” Ruff said.
John J. Winkelman is community relations manager at Mercy Hospital Jefferson. If you have news for the Leader’s Outdoor News page, e-mail ogmjohnw@aol.com and you can follow John on Twitter at @johnjwink99.