Controlled Prairie Burn

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As a volunteer at Miami Whitewater Forest (a county park in Southwest Ohio) I was invited to help burn a prairie. By intentionally setting and controlling the fire you can reduce the chances of an unwanted and uncontrolled fire. Burning the brush and other tall weeds also encourages the growth of the varieties of prairie grasses that are desirable.

The volunteers and park staff work together to ensure that the fires do not get out of control. Workers carry tanks of water on their backs to extinguish any fire that starts to go the wrong way. The park staff is well trained to plan and execute the burn. They provide thorough and clear instructions to make sure everyone understands their part in the project. Equipment is provided to each worker to protect them in the unlikely event of getting too close to the flames. Safety is of the utmost concern.

Usually the burns are done earlier in the Spring, but heavy rain delayed the project until April. This was the last scheduled burn of this year, so I felt fortunate to get a chance to participate.

The basic plan is to burn a large field in small sections so it doesn't get out of control. Even so it can get pretty hot, and the thick smoke makes it hard to breath when the wind shifts toward you.

This was my first "burn" and it was quite interesting and educational. Maybe next year the weather will cooperate and I will have another chance to help with the burn crew.