Smoke Savvy Burns Boost Georgia Wildlife

By SHAN CAMMACK

With the winter season for prescribed fire just around the corner, it helps to know that fire is a key ecological process that has shaped natural communities across Georgia and the Southeast for eons.

Almost half of the 472 plant species listed in Georgia's State Wildlife Action Plan depend on or benefit from fire. And that's not counting the native animals - gopher tortoises, bobwhite quail and others - that also fit that description.

Prescribed fire is a safe way to apply a natural process, ensure ecosystem health and reduce wildfire risk by limiting the build-up of fuels that can feed wildfires. In lowering that risk, prescribed fire also keeps our air cleaner. Smoke from wildfires is typically higher in volume and pollutant levels and can last for weeks or months. Smoke from prescribed fires, often called controlled burns, is managed and usually lasts only a day or two.

Where there's fire, there's smoke. But as managers of prescribed fires, we take great care to manage the smoke. We follow practices that help minimize impacts on smoke-sensitive areas, such as schools, hospitals, cities and busy roads. We also consider the airshed (the geographical area within which the air is usually confined or channeled), check regional air-quality monitors and burn when appropriate for clean air in local communities.

Before a burn, we choose weather parameters that help us meet burn objectives and effectively manage the smoke. The Fire Weather Dashboard is our go-to for fire-related forecasts. We also use tools like VSmoke and the Georgia Winds and Air Quality Map to minimize smoke impacts. Each fall, fire training "refresher" sessions emphasize these topics, along with lessons learned from the previous burn season.

During burns, we check weather conditions at the site and light the fire in a way that gets the smoke up and out.

After burns, we monitor to make sure the fire is out and there are no lingering smoke issues. Still-burning fuels are mopped up, squelching smoke near firebreaks.

The net result is a plus for wildlife, habitats and people. Using prescribed fire, burn managers help enrich biodiversity, build resilient ecosystems and promote cleaner air.

SEEING SMOKE?

Visit AirNow to learn about air quality in your area and ways to stay safe.

RECORD YEAR

During the fiscal year that ended June 30, DNR's Wildlife Resources Division applied prescribed fire to nearly 96,700 acres, a new high for the agency and all contributing to healthier wildlands and wildlife populations.

FIRE RESOURCES

• Georgia Prescribed Fire Council
• Southern Fire Exchange
• Georgia Forestry Commission Burn Certification Course
• Guidebook for Prescribed Burning in the Southern Region Smoke Management Guide

Shan Cammack is the fire management officer for DNR's Wildlife Conservation Section.

Top: Growing-season burn on Sandhills WMA West (Hal Massie/DNR)

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