News Release
400 Independence Ave. SW Washington, DC 20250FPAC.BC.Press@usda.gov
Fight fire with fire: Turning a destructive force into a powerful tool for rangeland management
October 11, 2024
By Chris J Maestas, NRCS Public Affairs and Cara Greger, North Dakota Wildlife Federation
Recent wildfires in North Dakota have had devastating effects on landscapes, livelihoods, properties and communities. Wildfires are catastrophic and difficult to manage, especially when conditions align for rapid fire spread. On Saturday, Oct. 5, North Dakota experienced a perfect weather day and environmental conditions for wildfires to start and grow uncontrollably. Normally. local Volunteer Fire Departments are able to manage unintentional fires caused by something as simple as a discarded cigarette or a spark from farm equipment. However, that day was different. Emergency response teams were forced into a reactive stance, battling flames fueled by dry grasses, crop residue, woody plant species like Rocky Mountain Juniper.
North Dakota faces the age-old dilemma: should we manage fire proactively or reactively? Even with the best preparation, there are times when wildfires are inevitable. Yet, in regions where wildfires persist, could better preparation have mitigated their impact? Could more robust control lines or less volatile fuel sources have made a difference?
One proactive solution is prescribed burning. While many view fire as inherently destructive, In contract to the unpredictable nature of wildfires, prescribed burns are planned, controlled, and conducted under specific conditions. These burns are carried out with clear objectives, such as reducing invasive vegetation, managing woody species, or promoting native wildflowers. Importantly, prescribed burns only take place when conditions allow for safe and effective management.
A prescribed burn begins with a comprehensive plan outlining conditions for the burn, including wind speed and direction, temperature, humidity, and soil moisture. The plan also identifies nearby infrastructure, contacts for emergency services, and any nearby neighbors. Control lines are established in advance, and a crew—briefed on their assignments and equipped with radios and maps—carries out the burn. This level of preparation gives prescribed fires a crucial advantage over wildfires.
Studies show that prescribed fires produce less smoke than wildfires, and the smoke is more predictable, helping to protect human health and reduce disruption to livestock and wildlife. With prescribed burns, residents and landowners can be notified in advance, and sensitive areas can be protected. Wildlife, too, benefits from prescribed burns, as these fires are typically slow-moving, giving animals time to evacuate. Burns are also timed to avoid vulnerable periods, such as nesting or birthing seasons.
Fires—whether wild or controlled—are intimidating. But with planning, preparation, and proactive management, we can reduce the risks. Prescribed burns offer a safer, more controlled method of fire management, allowing us to better protect our rangelands and habitats.
The following websites offer more information about wildfires versus prescribed fires:
Prescribed Burn.
An employee from USDA’s Plant Material Center in Mandan, ND conducts a prescribed burn June 6, 2024, to reduce excess vegetation and help maintain an ecological balance. (Photo by NRCS Public Affairs)
Wildfire
Wildfire near Medora, ND on April 1, 2021 (Photo by Billings County Emergency Management)
More Information
To learn more about NRCS programs, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center. Producers can also apply for NRCS programs, manage conservation plans and contracts, and view and print conservation maps by logging into their farmers.gov account. If you don’t have an account, sign up today.
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