Prescribed Fire - A Photo Feature

Preparing to Burn

A prescribed fire is necessity in many coniferous stands. The controlled fire can protect trees from future fire, disease and insects. The same fire can prepare a seedbed for a future forest, improve the habitat for many wildlife species and manage competing vegetation. 

This prescribed burn was done on an early March day. Its purpose was to reduce competing sweet-gum, oak and devil's walking stick while increasing the food and habitat value for wildlife. The owner prides himself with the quail hunting improvements made over his 40-year ownership.

      
The Equipment 

Two tractors (both with electric water pumps) were used.  One was equipped with a disk and freshened the line before during and after fire was introduced. The other tractor had a larger pump and was used for mop-up. Operators of these tractors surveyed the lines until the black zone was deemed safe.

Next Photos>>>  Starting the Prescribed Burn