Fire snakes through the underbrush of a loblolly pine stand in Georgia, leaving the ground black and charred in its wake. As flames lick the bases of trees and smoke billows into the sky, the fire remains low and the woods appear calm.
This is a controlled burn as it should be done. Ryan Simpson and his crew are nearby, keeping a close eye as the fire cleans the understory of this pine stand.
Simpson, a landowner and certified forester, is based in Leesburg, Ga. He says prescribed burning is the most effective and economical way to manage and protect your woods. He thinks it's even better than mechanical or chemical options.
Both hardwoods and softwoods can benefit from prescribed burns. A burn reduces the risk of wildfires, lowers insect populations and lessens disease pressure. It also improves the understory by recycling nutrients from old plant growth, enhances appearance and often increases populations of threatened and endangered species in the area.
"Anyone growing trees to make a profit will find fire management invaluable," Simpson adds. "Cruising, marking and harvesting timber is a whole lot easier in clean woods."
Some types of timber do especially well under an annual burn program. As an example, Simpson plans to weave more longleaf pines into his 19-year-old stand of loblollies. The longleaf pines love the heat common to this southeastern region, and they will thrive if burned once a year.
For an experienced forester like Simpson, controlled burns are a basic management practice. But he cautions landowners against trying it on their own. He says an inexperienced burner can easily find his controlled burn out of control.
"Winds are unpredictable in the canopy," Simpson warns. "One of the most important things about burning is having a consultant who understands wind conditions. You have to know the wind and trust it."
It's important to note that consultants are supposed to be insured to burn. If a private landowner burns his woods and the fire gets out of hand, he is ultimately responsible for lives lost or property damaged.
Before You Burn
FIREBREAKS. Establish and plow firebreaks. Streams, dirt roads and cultivated fields can serve as natural barriers.
FUELS. Make sure there are no heavy fuels in the burn area. This includes logs and large brush piles.
MAPS. Prepare a map of the burn area. Include all neighboring areas. Indicate where firebreaks are, as well as danger spots where a fire could escape.
SMOKE. Establish a smoke-management plan, taking into account the impact of smoke on all the surrounding areas.
WEATHER. Make sure you have current weather data on all variables, including wind, humidity, temperature and rainfall. Plan your burn when conditions are best suited for it.
PERMIT. Get a permit from your state Forestry Commission's local office.
NOTIFY. Let all adjoining property owners as well as the local fire departments know of your plans to burn.
HELP. To find a licensed forestry consultant in your area, start with your state Department of Natural Resources office or state forestry commission.