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Prescribed fire is a pre-planned management action to use fire as a tool to achieve defined land and resource management objectives.Fire managers acting within the direction of an approved prescribed fire plan that establishes parameters necessary to achieve stated objectives can ignite a prescribed fire.Naturally occurring ignitions may also be managed as prescribed fires.A prescribed fire, either natural or management ignited, is determined to be a wildfire if conditions become such that the fire exceeds, or is projected to exceed, the pre-defined parameters.Once classified as a wildfire, it remains a wildfire until it is extinguished.
Prescribed fire conducted by department personnel on department owned or controlled land shall be accomplished in accordance with the following procedure:
- Prepare a prescribed burn plan
- Plan should be reviewed and/or approved by designated individuals within Division implementing burn.
- Apply and receive all necessary permits (EPA-OAC 3745-19, waiver of 6-6 ban-ORC 1503.18)
- Notify all local officials, fire departments, and adjoining landowners affected by burn
- Conduct burn
- Evaluation of burn
Qualified department personnel have and are encouraged, upon request, to assist other agencies with prescribed fires.Approval for participation of qualified personnel resides with the appropriate Division.
Since 1972, the OEPA has regulated open burning, which is considered to be the burning of any material that causes air pollutants from the combustion process to be sent directly into the outside air.Any burning permission granted by the Division of Forestry does not waiver or alter necessary compliance with any open burning regulations of OEPA or local burning ordinances.
Various ODNR Divisions and other agencies request permission to conduct prescribed burns that involve the waiver of the 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. burning ban.These requests are received and reviewed by the Columbus fire section and authorized by letter from the Chief of the Division of Forestry.Some of the letters contain a condition that permits Districts to delay the planned ignition should fire hazards warrant.The standard criterion that must be included in a waiver request is written statement from the Certified Fire Manager outlining areas and acres to be burnt.This statement must also verify that a burn plan(s) has been developed for the site(s) and maybe viewed by the Division of Forestry upon request.
The department will recognize two positions for prescribed fire.These are Prescribed Fire Crew Member (RXCM) and Certified Prescribed Fire Manager (CPFM).
The training standards for these positions are:
Prescribed Fire Crew Member:S-130 (Basic Fire Suppression), S-190 (Basic Fire Behavior), and I-100 (Introduction to Incident Command System).
Certified Prescribed Fire Manager: Successful completion of Certified Prescribed Fire Manager Course and S-290 Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Self-Study or Classroom)
The experience required for these positions:
Prescribed Fire Crew Member: None
Certified Prescribed Fire Manager: At least three assignments as Prescribed Fire Crew Member and successful completion of mentorship with a Certified Prescribed Fire Manager.
Grandfathering of Personnel: The Department will be able to ?grandfather? competent personnel who have demonstrated good judgment and an understanding of prescribed fire.Only personnel having past prescribed fire or suppression experience should be considered.
A written prescribed burning plan is the cornerstone for all prescribed fire activities.A written prescribed burning plan will be required for each prescribed burning unit.The plan will meet or exceed the requirements outline in the Certified Prescribed Fire Manager course. This plan should be completed prior to the burning season.A map of the burning unit should also accompany this plan.The map should indicate burn boundaries, adjacent landowners, topography, control lines, smoke sensitive areas, and the firing sequence.
Body Protection:
Nomex shirt and trousers or nomex coveralls (should meet NFPA 1977 Standards)
Foot Protection:
Minimum 8? high work style all leather boot with skid and heat resistant soles. Safety toe maybe required in certain situations per other sections of the Department and/or individual Division?s safety policy.
Head Protection:
High heat resistant hard hat with chinstrap. Detachable nomex protective face and neck protector is recommended.
Eye Protection:
Ventilated goggles or face shield attached to hard hat or accessible to wearer.
Hand Protection:
Durable quality leather gloves.
Fire Shelter:
Fire Shelter with belt and case.
The following are required:
Drinking water canteen(s)
Crew or individual first aid kit(s)
Belt Weather kit (one per burn unit)
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