Introduction

A written prescribed burn plan is an essential part of any successful prescribed burn. As opposed to planning for wildfires, prescribed burn plans have the luxury of time to define the area to be burned, select favorable weather and fuel conditions, locate and complete firebreaks, and gather crews and equipment to conduct the burn. The prescribed burn plan must be written and be on site while burning. Not having a written burn plan is a serious “watch out situation.”

Depending on which agency staff prepared the burn plan and which cost-share program is involved, landowners might have a prescribed burn plan on a Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) or MDC form. Examples of each agencies’ form are included in the Appendix of the Supporting Document. Regardless of the agency form, prescribed burn plans should contain these elements:

• Description of the burn unit
• Objectives of the burn
• Map
• Desired weather conditions and fire behavior
• Firebreaks
• Ignition plan
• Number of crew members and type of equipment needed
• Safety plan, including contingency plans
• Smoke management plan
• Public safety and neighbor notification list
• Mop up standards
• Evaluation and monitoring