Prescribed Burn as a Management Tool

Prescribed fire or prescribed burning season in Kansas begins in late February and continues through mid-April.  Research and experience have shown that fire can be used as a major management practice for native and introduced grasslands, hay meadows, and establishing and managing new native grass stands.  It can recycle nutrients in old plant growth, stimulate tillering, control many woody and herbaceous plants, improve grazing distribution, reduce wildfire hazards, improve wildlife habitat, and increase livestock production in stocker operations.

To gain these benefits, River Valley District Livestock Production Agent Kaitlyn Hildebrand says fire must be used under specified conditions with proper timing.

For a safe prescribed burn, Hildebrand says the first step is to develop a plan, including how many people and how much equipment you will need, working with neighbors to burn at the same time, and contacting your local emergency agency to obtain the appropriate permits.

Next, Hildebrand says you should prepare the site by creating adequate firebreaks.

Also observe the weather before burning.  Hildebrand says it's important to know the weather conditions on the day of the burn and two to three days following, as well as understand how weather conditions can affect your burn days.

Make sure to re-check the site two to three days after the burn.

If you have any questions, contact Hildebrand in the Concordia office of the River Valley District at (785) 243-8185 or khildebrand@ksu.edu.