Fire and the Prairie - Prescribed Burns

Fire and the Prairie

Prescribed Burns

Today, we cannot rely on wildfires to maintain tallgrass prairie and savanna. To conserve and restore these rare habitats, deliberately set and carefully controlled fires are used - this is called prescribed burning.

Undertaking a prescribed burn requires expertise, training and planning. Safety is the prime consideration. In some municipalities, burning is not allowed, while in others, a permit from the local fire department is needed. Some of the larger and more significant tallgrass sites in Ontario are burned routinely by the Fire Service of the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) or by experienced land managers.

	Fire and the Prairie
	The Source of Fire
	The Impacts of Land Clearing
	FAQ's
»	Prescribed Burns
	Burn Frequency and Time of Year
	Prescribed Fire Decision Support System
	Recommended Reading

Some property owners hire fire consultants to plan and complete the burn for them. Local fire departments are often willing to come out and help with a controlled burn.

Prescribed burns have taken place for many years across Ontario, demonstrating that burns can be carried out safely, even in cities such as Toronto. Explaining the procedures and environmental benefits to neighbours, eases concerns and often produces advocates.

For more information on prescribed burning and consultants working in your area.