The time of the burn is determined by the management goal. The goal is to burn grassland fields to enhance grassland nesting cover for a variety of migratory birds and other wildlife. Each burn should take approximately two to six hours to complete and poses no threat to visitors or neighbors. Prescribed burns are conducted safely on National Wildlife Refuges and other public lands across the country. In prescribed burns, fire becomes a tool.
Fire removes accumulated fuel loads thus reducing the risk of wildfire.
Fire improves refuge habitats for wildlife by removing invading plants that compete for light and nutrients. Fire removes part of the plant litter, or duff layer and exposes the soil to sunlight so that seeds may germinate and grow . At the same time, it releases nitrogen and other nutrients into the soil, to nourish the new plants. Specific dates cannot be announced in advance, however, law enforcement and other emergency agencies will be notified on the day of the burn. Before a burn can take place, specific weather and site conditions, including wind direction and speed, humidity, air temperature, and fuel moisture must be present.