Prescribed fire, also known as a 'controlled burn' or 'prescribed burn,' is a deliberate and planned fire utilized to achieve specific management goals. These goals are outlined in a prescription, which takes into account factors such as public safety, weather conditions, and the likelihood of meeting the burn objectives.
Prescribed fire is a crucial tool in modern fire management. Each fire is carefully planned in advance, with a scientific prescription detailing its objectives, fuel sources, size, and the precise environmental conditions required for ignition. These fires can serve various purposes, such as creating diverse habitats for plants and animals, aiding in the recovery of endangered species, or mitigating the risk of destructive wildfires by reducing fuel loads.