Wildlife benefits of prescribed burns are observed immediately after the fire. Predators such as northern harriers, great blue herons and red foxes are the first to reap the benefits as prey species such as meadow voles, snakes and frogs move across a burned area with no concealing cover. Within days, new plant growth begins to emerge. Within weeks, little or no sign of the fire remains and herbivores dine on tender young plants. The long term benefit of the improved habitat far outweighs any individual sacrifice caused by the fire.
Staff is trained and identified burn areas are prepared when needed.
Each site has safety zones for personnel in cases of an unforeseen problem and fire breaks to control the area of the fire. Fire breaks are areas that will not carry a fire because of the lack of adequate fuels. Gravel roads, water and mowed or disked paths are common fire breaks used at Montezuma. Specially trained refuge staff and fire extinguishing equipment used to ignite and control the fire and to ensure public safety. Specific weather and site conditions are required to control the extent and intensity of the fire as well as manage smoke.