Prescribed burns planned in forests

IRONWOOD — Fire managers on the Hiawatha and Ottawa National Forests intend to begin using prescribed fire as a forest management tool in the coming weeks. 

Prescribed burns make forests more resilient, create habitat for a diversity of wildlife and keep communities safer from future wildfires by reducing accumulated debris (hazardous fuel.)

All projects are dependent upon several factors, including favorable weather and site conditions.

Each burn area requires a different “prescription,” which determines what wind direction and speed, temperature and fuel moistures are required for any planned burn to proceed.

There are a limited number of days with favorable burning conditions during the year, which are often the days of elevated wildfire risk. 

“Firefighters have prepared these burn units so they can take advantage of these fleeting opportunities when they occur. Each burn has a site specific burn plan that directs the prescribed fire managers on where control lines are placed, what equipment is needed and specific weather parameters to ensure the burn will meet resource objectives, but also remain in the area that has been identified for burning,” said Rani Ellsworth, of the Ottawa. 

“Using fire as a management tool has its inherent risks, however, as only qualified prescribed fire practitioners will be burning in areas that have been identified long before the match is struck,” Ellsworth said.