Prescribed Burn Season Starts in Jefferson County - Here’s What You Need to Know
Why are Prescribed Burns Important?
Wildfires, which are distinct from prescribed burns, are often the result of a lightning strike or human accident, such as unmanaged campfires or discarded cigarettes. Wildfires are catastrophic, and with climate change, are predicted to continue to increase, threatening human lives and making a disastrous economic impact on the communities in their wake. One of the most effective tools for preventing wildfires is the use of managed or prescribed fire.
Historically, most forests in the Southeastern United States have adapted to frequent, low-intensity fires, which helped minimize forest fuels and support increased biodiversity. More recently, human development has led to more fire-suppressed forests that become overgrown, decreasing diversity and making it harder for species dependent on fire to compete. Moreover, when our forests and prairies are not burned at regular intervals, fuels accumulate, resulting in more intense wildfires that are harder to contain and can cause far more damage.
The Nature Conservancy reports the best way to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire is to restore our forests to their natural state with prescribed burns.
Prescribed fire can help restore land to its most natural state, as the heat activates the ancient seed bank in the soil. Often, following a burn, native plants that have been dormant for decades will emerge, creating a lush and diverse array of blooms and foliage. In turn, these plants bring back the many insects that depend on them for food, setting off a chain reaction that makes for a healthier, more beautiful habitat for all of us to enjoy.
Certified Professionals Conduct Prescribed Burns Under Strict Safety Standards
Our prescribed burns are carefully planned by trained and certified professionals who understand fire behavior, minimizing the opportunity for escape and the impact of smoke while maximizing the ecological benefits to the landscape.
Every burn will have a carefully developed plan with strict standards for the conditions that must be met; these include wind direction/speed, smoke dispersal, temperature, humidity, fuel type, and soil moisture conditions. Weather conditions will be carefully monitored up to the moment of ignition to ensure the prescribed conditions are met. While we will always provide as much advance notice as the forecast allows (at least 24 hours), these activities may be called off or postponed if conditions change.
Our team will work closely with local municipalities, the Alabama Forestry Commission, and the Jefferson County Department of Health to help ensure that everyone is prepared in advance for any potential burning and that all necessary permits are obtained.
Prescribed Burns Planned at Our Greenspaces
For this upcoming season, we have carefully selected burn units at all of our locations: Red Mountain Park, Ruffner Mountain, and Turkey Creek Nature Preserve. Please be aware that during any prescribed burn, visitor access may be limited. Prior to any burning activity, we will provide updates on our social media accounts, website, and onsite signs to prepare our visitors and help ensure their safety. We will also send letters to community members who may be affected by these activities.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our conservation team at Conservation@JeffCoGreenways.org.
Written by: Charles Yeager, JCG Land and Water Conservation Director