How to Burn Your Prairie Field
(Pssst, we talk a lot more about this on episode 134 of The Prairie Farm Podcast. You’ll learn a lot there.)
Looking to burn your prairie fields? Be warned, it can be dangerous. Still want to? Well okay, who are we to deny your desires? Here are 7 steps to burning your prairie fields.
Plan ahead and notify authorities
Before starting a controlled burn, it is important to plan ahead and notify the appropriate authorities, such as the fire department, police department, and local land management agencies. They can provide advice, assistance, and resources to help ensure a safe and effective burn. They may also require permits and inspections, so make sure to follow their regulations and procedures.
2. Choose the right time and weather conditions
Choose a time when weather conditions are favorable for a controlled burn. The ideal time is during the dormant season, when the grass is dry and the weather is cool and calm. We recommend in late April/early May or in October. Avoid burning during drought conditions, but I’m sure you already knew that. Obviously, you’ll want to avoid burning on really windy or rainy days.
3. Prepare the site and equipment
Prepare the burn site by clearing away any debris or flammable materials, such as dead leaves, branches, and logs. Make sure to have the proper equipment on hand, such as water tanks, hoses, shovels, rakes, and… uh… if anyone asks we ALWAYS have a fire extinguisher on site.
4. Create a firebreak
Create a firebreak around the burn site to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading beyond the designated area. A firebreak can be made by mowing or plowing a strip of land around the burn site or by wetting the area with water. Normally we mow an area, then rake the excess away, then wet it down. Also, a fire break can be cool season grasses that have already greened up before you burn such as Junegrass, Virginia Wildrye, or Canada Wildrye.
Another strategy we use is to burn a small strip where you want the fire stop to be. If there is a light breeze, you’ll start this fire burn into the wind. It should only be about 10 feet wide of a strip, and you can wet that ground down afterwards to create a very hefty fire break.
5. Start the fire
Start the fire at the downwind edge of the burn site, where the wind is blowing away from the unburned area. Use a drip torch, a flame thrower, or two rocks to light the grass on fire. Start in one corner, then move down the edge of the field to create a slow-moving fire.
6. Monitor the fire
Monitor the fire at all times and be prepared to make adjustments as needed. If the fire becomes too intense or starts to spread beyond the designated area, use water, shovels, fire extinguishers, a fire helicopter, or your boots to control it. If the fire becomes unmanageable, call the fire department immediately.
7. Allow the fire to burn out
Allow the fire to burn out on its own, assuming it remains within the designated area and does not pose a threat to people or property. Do not try to extinguish the fire with water or other materials if it can be avoided, as this can create steam and smoke that are unpleasant to breathe. Once the fire has burned out, inspect the site to make sure that all embers and hot spots have been extinguished. If not, give ‘em the old boot.
Following these steps should lead to a healthy, safe burn, but there are also many other extenuating factors that can affect the burn. Oh, and something else we forgot to mention… the more people the merrier, but make sure you know who’s in charge. It doesn’t help to have 5 people yelling orders and no one following them if things get out of control.
More of a visual learner? We have a youtube video just for you. Check it out here.
Happy burning!
