Goals and site characteristics should dictate the prescription for a burn. Since future weather is uncertain, an individual burn and its associated equipment and labor should be scheduled for about three dates. Equipment and labor needs for prescribed burning are further discussed in a February 1995 NF Ag News and Views article. The overriding theme in prescribed burning should be safety and control. Do not conduct a burn when either is questionable.
Fireguards are important to help control a fire.
A burn manager should be familiar with various fireguards and their limits. Most fireguards should provide uninterrupted access around the burn perimeter for firefighting equipment. Where possible, avoid acute angles, or those less than 90 degrees, along fireguards. Some fireguards, such as green fireguards, require management several months or years before a burn. Green fireguards are discussed in a July 1996 NF Ag News and Views article.