Fire on the Farm

What is a controlled burn?

Controlled burns, also known as prescribed burns, are a method used to help promote new growth as well as prevent wildfires in wooded or grassy areas. Burns typically take place in the spring in order to clean up any dried up, decayed material left over from winter. This material can suffocate new growth and pose a potential threat of wildfire when left untreated. Burning up this decayed material in a controlled environment reduces the risk of wooded areas catching fire unexpectedly while also clearing space for new growth.

Common causes of wildfires

The three basic components of fire are oxygen, heat, and fuel. If one of these factors is not present a fire will either not light or become extinguished. Oxygen is all around us and is necessary for human living which means that component can’t really be taken away. Heat can be controlled to a certain degree by keeping potentially hazardous areas wet. However, heat is greatly affected by the weather which easily overpowers any manmade barriers. This brings us to the last component, fuel. Fuel is the basic fire component we have the most control over. Dead or dried up trees, grass, and debris can be removed by hand, with heavy equipment, and with controlled burns as a prevention method to rob potential wildfires of fuel. Wildfires are most common during the June-August months, especially during extreme heat and drought, with the most common natural causes of wildfires being lightning strikes and intense sunlight. This does not come as a shock to most people. However, here’s something you may not have known. According to the National Park Service, nearly 85% of wildfires are caused by humans.

unattended campfires, improper disposal of cigarettes, mechanical malfunction, or untrained use of fire can all lead to wildfires. Controlled burns can help minimize the effects of wild fire, but not prevent them. Do your part and practice fire safety. As Smokey would say “only YOU can prevent wildfires”.

Prescribed burns on the farm

At Superior Fresh, controlled burning is an important tool for our landscape and offers many land management benefits. Proper fire encourages pollinator species like wildflowers, controls invasive brush species, promotes native species, reduces fuel loading, and makes nutrients available for use to new upcoming plants. Additionally, it is an important practice for managing prairie and oak savanna ecosystems on the property. Last spring we completed 14 management units totaling 80-acres!

Prairies require regular fire events in order to remain healthy. The encroachment of humans into this habitat has lessened the number and intensity of fire events, causing prairies to be overtaken by young forests. Controlled burns help to preserve the native prairie state which provide a prime habitat for many species and pollinators.

ATTENTION: Prescribed burns are only to be conducted by authorized personnel! Contact your local DNR for more details.