Prescribed Fire

Prescribed fire is a safe way to apply a natural process, ensure ecosystem health, and reduce wildfire risk.  Prescribed burning is carried out by experienced, trained, and certified fire managers on both public and private lands throughout Georgia.  These professionals assess forest conditions, determine the type of fire needed, and then write a "prescription" for the application of fire.  Prescribed burns are permitted by the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) depending upon predicted weather conditions and safety measures to be used.

        -Georgia Prescribed Fire Council             www.garxfire.com

When used properly, prescribed fire is an effective tool for managing forests.  Pine species of the South are adapted to the use of controlled burning.  There are many benefits of burning including:  regeneration, competition control, habitat management, fuel reduction, stand access, and aesthetics.  

The open savanna-like early pine forests of Georgia existed because of periodic fires started by lightning strikes.  The combination of fire suppression and natural regeneration allows natural succession to act on many former pine stands and shade-tolerant hardwoods become the dominant forest species.  The conversion of pine forests to hardwood forests is particularly evident in the the Upper Coastal Plains and Piedmont areas of Georgia.  

Pines have thick bark that protects the cambium from the heat of the fire and many hardwoods do not have the same protection from their bark.  For this reason, regular burning will aid in maintaining pine forests, but is not usually recommended for managing hardwood stands.

Benefits of Burning

Fuel Reduction.  Regular burning will reduce the accumulation of leaf litter and brush and will minimize the chances of losing valuable timber from wildfires.

Hardwood Control.  Many hardwood species, especially sweetgum, can overtake pine stands and out-compete the pines for nutrients and available moisture.  

Site Preparation.  Burning prior to planting or natural regeneration exposes the mineral soil, which pines require to regenerate and grow.  Fire also reduces residual logging debris and minimizes competition.

Habitat Management.  Fire improves wildlife habitat by increasing forage production and browse availability.  

Pest Control.  Fire is a useful tool for disposing of trees infested with pine beetles.  Fire is also used for controlling brown spot needle blight in longleaf pine seedlings.

Access & Aesthetics.  Periodic burning keeps the understory from becoming overgrown.