Recent wildfires have highlighted the need for reevaluating how we interact with the land. Reevaluation took us back to how indigenous people stewarded the land for millennia using controlled, “good” fires as a management practice. Today, the use of good fires as a proactive measure against future disasters has gained traction. These intentionally lit fires reduced the accumulation of fuel and helped provide conditions for a diversity of plants and animals to thrive.

Understanding controlled burns is key to maintaining ecological balance and ensuring community safety amidst wildfires. In this 2-part series we will be focusing on empowering participants with the skills and confidence needed to execute pile burning projects effectively.

Registration Link Here

This series consists of two segments: a Presentation Session and a Hands-On Field Demonstration.

The Presentation will delve into essential aspects such as permitting, safety protocols, tools, and more—it is a prerequisite for the subsequent Field Demonstration. In the field, witness live pile burning demonstrations covering pile construction, ignition techniques, and practical implementation.

The Hands-On Field Demonstration will consist of a pile burning demonstration which will build off the Presentation. Pile construction, ignition, maintenance, and extinguishment basics will all be covered. Registration for this section will be made available after the Presentation.
Prerequisites: The Presentation Section is meant to set a foundation for the Field Demonstration. Pile burning consists of more than just burning a stack of wood. Permitting and registration, tools, PPE and pile construction will be touched on throughout the 4-hour course.

All community members interested in responsible fire practices are welcome to participate. Expand your skills and confidence in safely executing pile burn projects to manage landscapes and bolster community safety.

This program is made possible by a grant from the Farley Family Charitable Foundation in support of advancing community education about the important role of prescribed fire for habitat restoration and resilient communities.