News

Mar 11, 2024

First Ever Southern Area Engine Academy in North Carolina

By: Jennifer Fawcett, NC State Extension The Southern Area Engine Academy offers a comprehensive program designed for supervisors and crew personnel responsible for initial attack and tactical decision-making in the suppression of wildfires and the management of prescribed fires. The curriculum equips students with essential skills in utilizing water-handling equipment safely and efficiently, along with mastering tactics specific to… 

Oct 16, 2023

Tree Felling Size-Ups

There are many reasons that a tree may need to be felled to support prescribed fire operations. Snags, or standing dead trees, are relatively flammable and can cast embers across your control lines once they are ignited. Some trees, including green ones, have the potential to act as ladder fuels, carrying surface fire into the… 

Sep 27, 2023

Smoke Management: Planning Resources

By: Elliot Nauert A recent video by the Southern Fire Exchange describes the public health concerns of smoke, reminding us why it is important to take smoke management seriously. In an earlier post, we shared some training resources to build the foundations of smoke management knowledge. That knowledge is first applied to prescribed burning during… 

Feb 16, 2023

Drip Torches, Deconstructed

Written By: Kayci Willis The Drip Torch While there are a number of more technologically advanced ignition methods with drones, ATV attachments, and helicopters, the wildland fire industry’s tried and true method of ignition remains the handheld drip torch. A drip torch is a tool that can be used to purposefully ignite fires by dripping… 

Dec 16, 2022

Smoke Management: Online Training Resources

Smoke management is a concern of fire practioners for many reasons. Luckily, there are several online courses and resources available to fire practioners to learn more about this topic. Below are some examples of courses available that include smoke-related sections. Thes courses are ideal for beginner burners, landowners, or contractors. You can click on the… 

Nov 30, 2022

Mississippi’s Fire on the Forty Campaign

A Prescribed Fire Incentive Program for Private Landowners Written By: Kayci Willis Preface Earlier this year, a group of prescribed fire supporters gathered in Jackson, Mississippi to discuss the successes and shortcomings of Fire on the Forty, a prescribed fire cost-sharing and education program for private landowners. I had the privilege of being invited and… 

Dec 16, 2021

New Smoke Management Resources

Smoke management is a critical piece of any prescribed fire operation. As many agencies, organizations, and private landowners prepare for late winter burning the following new smoke management resources may be particularly helpful in addressing common issues that arise in managing prescribed fire smoke and air quality. The Smoke Management Guidebook for Prescribed Burning in… 

Nov 10, 2021

Landowner Field Trip (LFT) Program Launches in Georgia

By LuAnn Craighton, Chattahoochee Fall Line Conservation Partnership Outreach Director/Partnership Coordinator, The Nature Conservancy  The Chattahoochee Fall Line Rx Fire Co-Op (Co-Op) works with private landowners across west central Georgia to increase the awareness and use of prescribed fire as a beneficial land management tool. The Co-Op focuses on providing technical and financial assistance coupled… 

Sep 7, 2021

Preparing for Wildfires with Firescaping Course Updates

by Holly Campbell, University of Georgia Preparing for Wildfires with Firescaping is designed to increase Southeastern U.S. wildfire preparedness by educating community members and Cooperative Extension Agents about fire-resistant landscaping, or firescaping. Through several presentations and activities, the training teaches participants about Southeastern U.S. wildland fire history, fire behavior, home ignition, plant flammability, firescaping design… 

Jun 29, 2021

Prescribed Fire PPE: Practical Options for Landowners (Part Three)

This is the third and final in a three-part series of posts highlighting PPE options for landowners who conduct prescribed burns. The first post in this series highlighted practical personal protective equipment (PPE) pant and shirt options for landowners conducting prescribed fires. The second post discussed options for other PPE items including head coverings, face…