Chapter 9 Planning and Executing the Burn for Prescribed Burn Managers
PLANNING AND EXECUTING THE BURN FOR PRESCRIBED BURN MANAGERS I. INTRODUCTION Prescription burning is a highly technical job requiring knowledge of fire behavior, suppression techniques, and the environmental effects of fire. Most everyone is familiar with the use of the term “prescription” in relation to medicine. Taken under prescription from a doctor, medicine serves a useful purpose. Without a prescription, great harm may occur. The same may be said for the prescribed use of fire. For this reason, a written prescribed burn plan is required for each area to be burned. A prescribed burn plan is developed to help achieve a burn that is conducted safely; remains within prescription parameters; attains specified resource management goals and treatment objectives; and complies with legal planning requirements and responsibilities. There are numerous ways a burn plan can be formatted, however all burn plans should cover the “who, what, when, where, why and how”. The burn plan should be written as if someone else were going to conduct the burn. Successful prescribed burning requires planning that is based on: ¾ Resource management goals and treatment objectives for desired future conditions for the site. ¾ Physical and biological characteristics of the site. ¾ Known relationships among: o Pre-burn environmental factors o Expected fire behavior o Probable fire effects ¾ Tools and technologies available to apply fire to the site. ¾ Previous experience from similar treatments on similar sites.
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¾ Communication with interested/affected private and governmental entities. ¾ Physical and biological characteristics of the site. Although levels of planning complexity may vary, all prescribed burning plans must consider at least the following: ¾ Measurable objectives ¾ Quantified range of prescription parameters ¾ Compliance with laws and constraints ¾ Operational and contingency plans ¾ Monitoring and documentation process ¾ Review and approval process ¾ Other elements may be added to comply with local and agency requirements.
II. PRESCRIBED BURN PLAN ELEMENTS The Burn Boss is responsible for making sure that all these elements are addressed in the plan. 1.
Burn Unit Description – Describe the physical and biological features of the burn unit. a. Location: township, range, section, subdivision; latitude, longitude; Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinates. b. Size: size of the prescribed burn area in appropriate units. c. Elevation: maximum and minimum elevation of the prescribed burn area in the appropriate units. d. Boundaries: physical, natural, and man-made boundaries of unit.
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e. Topography: i. Slope; range and average slope of the burn area. ii. Aspect: aspect or aspects of the burn area. f. Vegetation Types: vegetation types in primary, secondary, and adjacent non-target areas. i. Percent of the prescribed burn area composed of this type ii. Fire behavior fuel model that best describes the vegetation type. iii. Canopy configuration and characteristics may also be listed. 2.
Fuel Characteristics – Describe the fuels by quality and quantity. a. Fuel model characteristics i. Fuel model ii. Fuel loading iii. Depth iv. Crown height (laddering) b. Qualitative description i. Stand age ii. Fire history iii. Presence of exotic species iv. Grazing history v. Logging history
3.
Maps – A picture (or map) is worth 1000 words. a. Vicinity Map i. Show the relationship of the burn area to overall area, structures, water sources, etc. ii. Show medical evacuation route and heliports/ helispots. b. Project Map i. Show barriers, boundaries, constructed line, proposed ignition patterns, potential hazards, areas of special concern, water sources, safety zones, escape routes, helispots, etc. ii. Show the primary, secondary and adjacent non-target areas in detail. iii. Identify where contingency plan actions will occur. iv. Use topographic maps and a grid system if possible v. More than one map may be appropriate for more complex prescribed fires.
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4.
Goals and Objectives – Effective prescribed fire implementation requires clearly defines goals and objectives.
5.
Scheduling a. State the general time period for the burn. b. Show any times to avoid during this time period.
6.
Weather Information (This will be covered in great depth in other units)
7.
Protection of Sensitive Features a. Identify steps needed to protect sensitive features in and near the burn. Examples: cultural resources, streams, threatened and endangered species, sensitive soils, buildings and improvements, smoke sensitive areas, etc. b. List any clearances needed and how any features will be protected. c. Identify these features on burn plan maps.
8.
Prescribed Fire Organization a. Identify the positions needed on the prescribed fire. b. The Burn Boss may also fill other positions; be sure to identify these additional responsibilities.
9.
Personnel – List personnel requirements to safely conduct the burn.
10. Equipment – List the required equipment needed to conduct the prescribed fire. 11. Pre-burn Consideration a. List preparations needed on and off the fire site. On-site Examples Fire lines to be built Snags to fall Signs to build Weather recording and monitoring Staging areas Access to the unit TDA Prescribed Burn School Manual v1.3 5-2002
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Blacklines Off-site Examples Equipment readiness Supplies to purchase Media and cooperator notifications Cautionary signs to make and put up b. Special Precautions/Regulation/Constraints. i. Identify all cultural resources, trails, sensitive species or habitats, hazards, multiple use, or other special resource or administrative concerns. ii. List permits needed before ignition. 12. Burn Prescriptions and Observed Conditions. a. Identify the fuel modeling system used. b. Describe the fuel models and appropriate prescription parameters. c. Describe the ranges of fire behavior, weather conditions, fuel moisture contents or other site variables used to define the prescription, smoke duration and dispersal patterns, prescribed fire timing, and other parameters. d. Refer to fire effects publications, previous prescribed fires, experts and your experiences to develop and refine the prescription that meets the objectives. e. Environmental Variables i. Temperature ii. Relative humidity iii. Wind speed and direction iv. Dead fuel moisture by size class v. Duff and soil moisture vi. Live fuel moisture vii. Growth stage of vegetation f. Fire Characteristics Variables – Use only variables needed to ensure fire behavior will produce the effects that meet the objectives. Use ranges of variables since absolute values occur only occur in labs not on prescribed burns. i. Fire spread direction (heading, backing, or flanking) TDA Prescribed Burn School Manual v1.3 5-2002
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Chapter 9 Planning and Executing the Burn for Prescribed Burn Managers
ii. iii. iv. v.
Rate of spread range Flame length/height Heat per unit area Fireline intensity
13. Ignition Techniques a. Describe ignition methods and patterns to be used on the unit. b. Draw ignition patterns on the project map, if feasible. However, remember this can lock you in and does not allow for flexibility. c. Many times it is better to identify in narrative format the various ignition techniques that may be used depending on sitespecific variables in the day or days of the burn. 14. Holding methods and procedures 15. Contingency Plan a. Realistic b. Achievable 16. Smoke Management Plan 17. Coordination and Public Involvement a. Determine who is responsible for notifying other agencies, the public, and local landowners in compliance with the burn plan. b. List individuals and agencies (city, county, state and federal) to be notified, which’s to notify them and the timing of the notice.
c. Identify contacts with their name, address, phone number, radio call ID, Internet address or other communication link. 18. Public and Personnel Safety 19. Monitoring and Evaluation Procedures 20. Reports a. Document the prescribed fire.
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b. Complete all fire reports. c. Post burn narrative or critique, detailing whether objectives were net or not and an analysis of what did or didn’t work. d. Data reports (weather, fire behavior, monitoring results). 21. Briefing Guide a. List topics for crew briefings prior to ignition and during shift changes. b. Summarize conditions that must be met before the ignition of the unit can begin and continue. Examples: - Presence of personnel and equipment called for in the contingency plan. - Equipment in specified locations. - Prescription parameters met. - Notifications made successfully.
CLASS EXERCISE: WORK IN GROUPS TO COMPARE THE DIFFERENT AGENCIES’ PRESCRIBED FIRE BURN PLANS FOR COMMONALITY. COMPARE THESE PLANS TO THE APPROVED STATE OF TEXAS CERTIFIED PRESCRIBED BURN PLAN.
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III. FUEL MODEL PLANNING EXERCISES Using the information provided, complete at least two of the following exercises based on your knowledge of fuels, fire behavior and weather conditions. Each exercise is straightforward. You should not get bogged down in detail when completing it. Do, however, provide the cadre with enough detail to provide a true picture of your knowledge of prescribed fire planning. You may use any reference book or other material. Please work independently to complete the exercise. Feel free to ask the instructors for assistance. For each of the exercises you need to: 1. Indicate preferred wind direction on the map. 2. Identify location of the test burn on the map. 3. Identify any smoke receptors on the map. 4. Indicate on the map the ignition sequence and provide a brief narrative of how this aspect of the burn would be carried out. 5. Indicate contingency planning requirements and identify hazards, etc.
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Fuel Model: 9 Acres: 225 Time: 1100 Hours Date: May 15
The topography of the burn unit is rolling
Lake %
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Admin. Boundary
North
High Priced Homes
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State Park Day use Area
Block A not to be burned this year
Block B to be burned this year
FM-9
FM-9 Wooded Area
Marsh FM-3 FM-8 Train tracks
Major Highway
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Fuel Model: 3 Acres: 140 Time: 1100 Hours Date: August 1
Coun ty
Commercial Development
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Ro a
FM-3 FM-3 Burn Unit 140 acres
To w
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ile
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Fuel Model: 2 Acres: 340 Guest Ranch Time: 1100 Hours Date: September 15 FM-6
&
Residence
&
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oad
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Chapter 9 Planning and Executing the Burn for Prescribed Burn Managers
IV. BURN BOSS EXERCISES Given the following prescribed fire scenarios, analyze the data and information provided and make decisions on the execution of the burn. Be as detailed as possible. 1. It is the day of the burn, and you are the burn boss of a 300-acre fire in fuel model 3. You have a staff of 6, and you have driven 150 miles to the burn area. You just arrived at burn area and learned that the larger suppression unit to be used on the burn is not functioning properly and is will not be available for the burn. No replacements are available; however you do have 2 ATVs with 10-gallon electric sprayers on them. Predicted environmental conditions are a Temperature of 54o F, minimum relative humidity of 26%, winds 12-17 mph. What do you do? Assume the area surrounding the burn unit is also represented by Fuel Model 3. 2. You work on a large ranch and have several tracts to burn during the dormant season. It is January 17 and you and your staff had tentatively scheduled a burn for today, however when you arrive to work the winds are blowing from the southwest at 20-25 mph and gusty. You decide not burn because the wind is out of prescription. About 10 am the wind lets up and becomes within prescription. With your belt weather kit you take the weather and all of the variables are within you prescription. What do you, do you go forth with the burn? 3. It is October 15, and you are burn boss of a 150-acre burn representing Fuel models 2 and 3. Mechanical removal of brush was performed within this unit earlier in the summer and there is lots of downed woody fuel present. The unit is bordered by a river on the south and a state highway on the east. Forecasted conditions are well within prescription limits for the day of the burn. The nighttime forecast is for RH to increase to near 100% with patchy fog by morning. What do you do?
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V. BURN PLAN PREPARATION In assigned groups you will be assigned one of the following tracts of land requiring a plan for future fire management activities. Use the attached management scenario; maps and blank burn plan to develop a complete burn plan for your assigned unit. Specifically determine what environmental parameters and ignition strategies are necessary to safely conduct the burns and achieve the desired management objectives. Be able to justify your decisions. Using the mean recommended environmental variables determine the estimated probability of ignition, rate of spread and flame length. Furthermore, provide any additional management practices you feel should be implemented to better meet the management goals.
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SULPHUR RANCH John Smith recently purchased the Sulphur Ranch, a 4,590-acre ranch in Northern Blanco County. John primarily plans to manage his ranch for wildlife for both consumptive and non-consumptive uses. He is extremely interested in managing for trophy white-tailed deer and wild turkey; however his wife is interested in bird watching and wants to manage for songbirds. John is also somewhat interested in operating a small cow-calf operation. His property is a mosaic of small to medium sized prairie openings (dominated by Little Bluestem, KR Bluestem, Side oats, and numerous forbs), patches of woods (dominated by Live Oak and Ashe Juniper), and open savannah (consisting of a herbaceous component similar to the prairies but under widely scattered Live Oak and Persimmon). Due to previous management practices the majority of these plant communities are in poor to moderate condition. The prairies are being invaded by cedar and KR Bluestem. John has consulted the local Texas Parks and Wildlife Biologist for technical assistance in managing his land. The TPW biologist recommended John start managing some of his land with prescribed fire to reduce the invasion of cedar and KR Bluestem; and increase availability and palatability of browse for white-tailed deer. John is extremely excited about prescribed burning but does not know the first thing about implementing a burn. John has decided to contract the burning to a qualified consultant. As a qualified consultant John has hired you to develop a burn plan and implement the plan on his property. Keep in mind, John’s ranch is relatively close to civilization. There are several houses and neighborhoods surrounding John’s ranch. There is an airport 5 miles to the west; a moderate sized town 8 miles to the North, and an Interstate highway is located 10 miles to the west. Make sure and consider smoke management procedures, appropriate contacts to be made, and develop a scheme for dealing with the media.
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Sulphur Ranch FM 99 River
Creek
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3
804
$
Neighborhood
1
$
4
347
$
304
581
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Ranch Road
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499 %
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FM 77 Neighborhood
% $
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Triamgles = Houses Squares = Barns
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WHISPERING OAKS RANCH Joe Buck owns the Whispering Pines Ranch, a 3,500-acre ranch in Bandera County. Joe primarily manages his ranch for wildlife (both consumptive and non-consumptive uses). Joe has owned the property for more than 25 years and has done little management. Due to the lack of management the wildlife habitat on the ranch is quickly deteriorating. The majority of his ranch consists of thick dense cedar stands. Little sunlight can penetrate the thick overstory, therefore there is little to no herbaceous production on the ground. Furthermore, the ranch has extremely high woody fuel loads, and Joe is concerned about the threat of a catastrophic wildfire. Joe wants to increase habitat for birds such as Black-capped vireo and wild turkey; Joe also wants to increase the habitat quality for his white-tailed deer population. Joe has consulted with two Texas Parks and Wildlife Biologists who recommended a combination of two aggressive management techniques. These techniques include selective thinning and prescribed fire. The thinning will open up the dense canopy allowing light to penetrate. The prescribed fires will reduce the stature of woody re-sprouts, increase browse for white-tailed deer, reduce fuel loads and encourage the development of herbaceous groundcover. Joe thinned a small area in 1999 and then burned the site in 2000 he was extremely enthused by the results, and now plans to implement these management techniques throughout his property. Joe decided to contract the initial burn to a qualified consultant. As a qualified consultant Joe has hired you to develop a burn plan and implement the plan on his property.
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N
Lake Lake
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4 225
Lake
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Barn
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2 246
156 140
3 53
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Joe's House
381 Total Acres 0.4
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Chapter 9 Planning and Executing the Burn for Prescribed Burn Managers
LONE STAR RANCH John Doe owns the Lone Star Ranch, a 6,330-acre ranch in Kerr County. John primarily manages his ranch for wildlife (both consumptive and nonconsumptive uses). On his property he has several remnant tall grass prairies, however, due to lack of management, the quality of these plant communities is deteriorating. John has consulted the local Texas Parks and Wildlife Biologist for technical assistance in managing his land. The TPW biologist recommended John start managing some of his land with prescribed fire to reduce the stature of many brush species; and increase native forbs and herbaceous species for white-tailed deer and turkey. John wants the first burn to be conducted in the winter, even though he understands that most natural fire did not occur in the winter. He wishes to get comfortable with winter burning before attempting burns during other times of the year. John decided to contract this burn to a qualified consultant. As a qualified consultant John has hired you to develop a burn plan and implement the plan on his property. Use the attached maps and blank burn plan to develop a burn plan for John. Funding is not a limiting factor, therefore recommend any equipment or pre-fire actions you feel necessary to safely conduct the fire. Also, determine what environmental parameters and ignition strategies are necessary to safely achieve John’s management objectives.
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Roads Management Units
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