Omar Bennett
Pile burning is a type of prescribed fire commonly used to reduce an area's wildfire risk. Firefighters and land management crews create piles of forest debris, including small branches, limbs, and tree trunks, left over from fuel reduction projects, such as thinning or cutting trees. These piles are then ignited under controlled conditions, including favourable wind speeds and wind direction, relative humidity, and adequate snow cover, to ensure the fire remains contained. While pile burns are intended to reduce fire risk, they can sometimes escape control and merge with wildfires, as seen in the case of the Calf Canyon Fire. Alternatively, small fires are typically uncontrolled, accidental, or naturally occurring blazes that can spread rapidly, fuelled by dry vegetation, high winds, and other environmental factors.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Burn piles: Reducing an area's wildfire risk. |
| Small fires: N/A | |
| Location | Burn piles: Usually in forests or private properties. |
| Small fires: No specific location. | |
| Materials | Burn piles: Forest debris, dead trees, branches, and leaves. |
| Small fires: Any combustible material. | |
| Size | Burn piles: Recommended to be small and compact to reduce the risk of escape. |
| Small fires: No specific size. | |
| Lighting method | Burn piles: Lit by hand or with flammable liquids. |
| Small fires: Can be lit with matches or lighters. | |
| Safety precautions | Burn piles: Clearing a space around the pile, having water nearby, monitoring the fire, and ensuring complete extinguishment. |
| Small fires: Similar safety precautions apply. | |
| Timing | Burn piles: Usually done in the winter when wood is dry. |
| Small fires: No specific timing. | |
| Permissions | Burn piles: May require permits and notifications to the public. |
| Small fires: May require permissions depending on location. |
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What You'll Learn
Pile burning is a type of prescribed fire
Pile burning can provide cost savings on the overall cost of treatment, but the costs are often incurred 6-12 months after the completion of the work. If the project is small-scale, pre-planning costs can be marginal. If the project is larger, costs will rise significantly. For example, in preparation for pile burning, CUSP spent approximately 40 hours working on the burn plan and required permits. Air permits in Colorado cost anywhere from $100 to $1,000 depending on the size of the project.
When planning a pile burn, it is important to consider the amount of fuel you expect to create and guide management for this slash treatment method. When working in a shaded fuel break area, always consider that the pile flame height will be 2.5 to 3 times the height of the pile. In these areas, the piles should be smaller and have more separation. It is also important to consider the timing of the burn. A safe burn window must be determined by taking into account temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and direction, soil moisture, and surrounding vegetation. Wind is needed for smoke dispersal, and firefighters can safely burn piles in windy conditions. However, if winds are forecast that could potentially create fire behaviour that would put communities or residences at risk, firefighters do not ignite piles.
Once the piles are lit, management stays on-site for the entire day until all of the fires are completely out. Pile burn areas can remain active and smoulder for days to weeks after they are ignited. In most cases, the piles go out naturally, but on rare occasions, firefighters will suppress burning debris that has not gone out on its own. Patrolling and monitoring are important aspects of pile burning to ensure public and firefighter safety.
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Conditions for pile burning
Pile burning is a type of prescribed fire where firefighters pile and burn forest debris to reduce a community's wildfire risk. These piles are made from the debris left after fuel reduction projects, such as thinning or cutting trees in the forest.
Weather Conditions
Pile burning requires specific weather conditions, including favourable smoke dispersal, adequate snow cover, temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and direction, and soil moisture. Wind is necessary for smoke dispersal, and firefighters can burn piles in windy conditions as long as the wind speed is below 15 mph. However, if the wind conditions could potentially create fire behaviour that puts communities or residences at risk, firefighters will not ignite the piles.
Timing
Pile burning is typically done in the winter, allowing time for the wood to dry out sufficiently before burning. The time of day is also important, with early morning being the best time to light a fire.
Pile Construction
The piles should be carefully constructed to ensure they burn well. This includes considering the type of fuel and its moisture content, as well as the size and shape of the pile. Smaller, compact piles reduce the intensity and flame size, making them safer and easier to manage. It is recommended to keep the piles below 4 feet tall and create a 2-foot perimeter around each pile for added safety.
Safety Precautions
Before burning, it is essential to have water nearby to douse the fire in case of emergencies. It is also important to wear proper clothing, such as cotton shirts, leather boots, and leather gloves, and to keep the area clear of any flammable objects or obstructions. Additionally, it is advisable to have two people armed with rakes and shovels watching the fire from ignition until it is completely out.
Permits and Planning
Depending on the location, permits and planning may be required for pile burning. In some states, air permits are necessary and can cost anywhere from $100 to $1,000 depending on the project's size. It is also important to consider the impact on wildlife and inform the public about the burn to avoid uncertainty and ensure everyone knows why there is smoke in the air.
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How to ignite a burn pile
A burn pile is a type of prescribed fire where firefighters pile and burn forest debris to reduce the risk of wildfires in the area. These piles are typically made from debris left after fuel reduction projects, such as tree thinning or cutting.
Prepare the Burn Pile:
Firstly, ensure you have the proper permits and are adhering to local and state burning regulations. Check the weather conditions, including wind speed and direction, relative humidity, and the forecast for the day. Wind speed should be less than 15 mph, and humidity should remain above 40% to reduce the risk of embers igniting downwind. Keep the burn pile below 4 feet tall to encourage a slow, controlled burn and prevent flames from reaching nearby objects. Build your pile carefully, allowing air to reach the bottom and middle—a cross-hatching method, dome shape, or short pyramid are effective structures. Ensure there are no trees, power lines, or fences within 50 feet of the burn area.
Ignition:
To ignite the burn pile, flammable liquids such as kerosene or charcoal lighter fluid can be used, but only pour onto a small portion of the pile and proceed with caution. Alternatively, you can ignite the downwind side of the pile, creating a backfire that burns slowly against the wind, resulting in lower heat intensity and shorter flames. This method is ideal when containment is a higher priority than the time needed to burn.
During and After Burning:
Monitor the burn pile continuously, consolidating partially combusted fuel next to the pile to prevent unburned fuel from becoming a pathway for fire escape. Use appropriate equipment, such as a front-end loader or heavy-duty rake, to manage the burning pile and prevent injury or equipment damage. Once the pile has burned to ash, douse the area with water and rate/shovel the ash to ensure the fire is completely extinguished.
Remember, even with proper planning and preparation, prescribed burning carries inherent risks. Always prioritize safety and follow local guidelines and regulations.
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Preparing the area for a burn pile
Clear the Area:
First, select an appropriate location for your burn pile, taking into account tree density, unit size, and slope. Ensure there are no trees, overhead branches, power lines, or fences within at least 50 feet of the chosen area. Clear away any dry grass, leaves, branches, pinecones, and other forest debris within a safe perimeter, creating a fire line of bare mineral soil around the burn pile. The width of this cleared area should be at least twice the expected flame length to provide an effective buffer.
Prepare the Burn Pile:
Pile the debris neatly, keeping the pile below 4 feet tall to encourage a slow and controlled burn. Compact the pile to reduce the overall intensity and flame size. Build the pile with a structure that allows air to reach the bottom and middle—for example, a cross-hatching method, a dome shape, or a short pyramid. Avoid creating a tall pile that could cause flames to reach high and shoot embers into the distance.
Water and Weather Considerations:
Ensure access to a water source near the burn area. Prepare water storage vessels, such as tanks or pumps, and have rakes and shovels ready to douse any unintended fires. Monitor weather conditions, especially wind speed and direction, humidity, and snow cover. Ideal conditions include wind speeds below 15 mph, favorable wind direction to manage smoke and embers, and relative humidity above 40% to reduce the risk of escaping fires.
Safety Precautions:
Identify potential dangers, including dead trees (snags) that may burn from the inside and release sparks. Mark these areas for follow-up maintenance and to help contain the fire. Keep a safe distance from the burn pile, and wear appropriate clothing, such as cotton shirts, leather boots, and gloves, to protect against heat and melting materials. Have a fire starter ready, such as a small nest of dry grass, and avoid using accelerants unless approved by the fire district.
By following these steps, you can effectively prepare the area for a burn pile, minimizing risks and ensuring a safer and more controlled burning experience.
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Safety precautions for burn piles
A burn pile is a type of prescribed fire where firefighters pile and burn forest debris to reduce the risk of wildfires. Burn piles are different from small fires because they are often larger and are used specifically to prevent future fires. Here are some safety precautions to follow when dealing with burn piles:
- Check the weather forecast: High winds are a major contributor to wildfires. Avoid burning piles when wind speeds are above 15 mph, and be mindful of wind direction to prevent embers and smoke from affecting areas downwind.
- Consider relative humidity: Burning brush piles when relative humidity is above 40% can reduce the chances of embers igniting spot fires downwind.
- Control pile size: Smaller piles will reduce the intensity and size of the flames. They will also produce less smoke and minimize the risk of the fire escaping.
- Avoid using gasoline: When igniting a burn pile, avoid using gasoline due to its low flash point and highly flammable properties. Instead, use less flammable fluids such as kerosene or charcoal lighter fluid, and only pour them on a small portion of the pile before igniting.
- Monitor the burn pile: Partially combusted fuel can be a pathway for the fire to escape. Use a front-end loader or a heavy-duty rake to consolidate the partially combusted fuel next to the pile and prevent injury or equipment damage.
- Choose the right time of year: Burning piles in the winter with snow on the ground is not advisable, as the snow may melt, exposing dry vegetation. May and June are considered the best times to burn brush piles, as the surrounding vegetation is usually green and actively growing.
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Frequently asked questions
A burn pile is a type of prescribed fire where firefighters or landowners pile and burn forest debris to reduce a community's wildfire risk.
A small fire is a fire that is contained and controlled. It is typically started with a small amount of fuel and is monitored until it is completely extinguished.
A burn pile is specifically for burning forest debris, whereas a small fire can be started for various reasons, such as warmth or cooking. Burn piles are typically larger and are often ignited by firefighters, whereas small fires can be started by anyone following the necessary precautions.
The best time to start a burn pile is when there is favorable wind speed and direction, low risk of escape, and adequate snow cover. It is recommended to burn in the winter when the wood is dry, and to light the fire early in the morning.
Before starting any fire, it is important to clear a space around the pile, have water nearby, and wear proper clothing. It is also essential to warn your neighbors and check local regulations and weather conditions.
