Prepare now for prescribed burns (1/25/07)

            While the wildfires of 2006 may still be fresh in peoples’ minds, prescribed burning is an entirely different operation, and the months of February and March are ideal for conducting prescribed burns because the weather conditions are often more predictable and provide more safety for conducting burns.

            Prescribed burns should not be confused with "wild fires" and are crucial for enhancing wildlife habitat. They serve several purposes, such as removing accumulated leaf litter, stimulating new growth and controlling excessive wood growth. Officials with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation say native rangelands that are burned periodically have a wider diversity of plants beneficial to wildlife, particularly quail, than unburned prairies. Burned units attract more insects for quail chicks and more seeds for adult birds. Additionally, quail can use the areas more easily and have less difficulty feeding.

            Prescribed burns also benefit cattle by providing new growth for grazing and by controlling cedar growth.

            Officials with the Department say landowners planning to conduct prescribed burns on their properties this winter should attempt to have them completed before April to avoid disrupting ground nesting birds, and those wanting to conduct burns next year should begin preparing now.

            There are only so many days where conditions are right to conduct a proper burn, and landowners must be ready to capitalize,” said Mike Sams, senior wildlife biologist with the Wildlife Department. “Ideally, landowners wanting to conduct a prescribed burn this year would have already done most of the prep work, including a prescribed burn plan, so that all they need to do is wait on the proper weather conditions. If most of the prep work is not complete, landowners may be forced to put off burning another year. Planning for next year starts now by managing the amount of grass available to carry the fire.”

            Sams said those who prepared last year for prescribed burning in 2007 are the most likely to be able to burn when conditions are right.

            “The prime time for conducting burns is now through March,” Sams said.

            Sams says fire behavior is directly related to weather conditions, and he discourages the use of fire within 24 hours of a weather front.

            “You want weather to be predictable so you can conduct your burn accordingly," Sams said.

            Acceptable weather parameters vary depending on a landowner’s desired results and their capabilities, but a general rule-of-thumb is when winds are 5-15 mph, relative humidity is above 35 percent and temperatures are less than 60 degrees, it a good time to burn. Sams cautions landowners to contact the neighbors, fire departments and the sheriff’s office prior to lighting a fire.

            "Notifying emergency personnel is critical. You do not want to risk a life responding to a contained burn,” Sams said.

            When burning for wildlife, it is important to leave portions of an area unburned.

            "Unburned areas are needed to provide nesting structure for ground nesting birds," Sams said.

            For birds like quail, this allows nesting, brood rearing and foraging areas to exist in close proximity.

            Sams recommends landowners read the OSU Extension publication “E-927 Using Prescribed Fire in Oklahoma” and participate in prescribed burn training before using fire as a management tool.

            "Many County Extension offices can schedule training in the use of prescribed burning,” Sams said.

            For additional resources to help prepare for a prescribed burn, visit the OSU extension service Web site at http://www2.dasnr.okstate.edu/extension or log on to wildlifedepartment.com.

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