Objectives of the burn

A successful prescribed burn hinges on specific objectives for the burn unit. These objectives will dictate, in part, other elements of the burn plan, such as desired weather conditions and fire behavior (the prescription), ignition plan and number of resources needed to conduct the burn. Specific, measurable objectives are needed to complete a good follow-up evaluation of the burn. A measurable objective like “To kill 90 percent or more of all hardwoods less than 10 ft. tall” is preferred to a more general objective such as “Kill the sprouts.”