Why Do We Burn?

Why is it called a "prescribed" burn?
We use "prescribed" to describe our burns because they are lit under a specific set of environmental conditions, typically temperature, wind speed and direction, fuel moisture, and relative humidity are included, but season and other variables may be included. This burn prescription is similar to a doctor's instructions on how to use a medication, and must be followed to legally and safely conduct the burn. 

Why do you conduct prescribed burns?
California has a Mediterranean climate. That means that we have relatively warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Plants grow during the winter and spring and then act as potential fuel for fires in the summer. This plant material does not decompose very quickly and builds up due to California's climate. Without fire to recycle it, becomes increasingly hazardous. As Californians, we don’t get to choose whether our landscapes burn, only how they burn.

What are the benefits of prescribed burns?
Almost all of California’s landscapes have evolved with fire, so fire is an integral part of preserving them. Prescribed burns remove fuel from the landscape making it safer for people, they return nutrients to the soil, stimulate plant growth and germination, and help sustain the complex mosaic of plant communities that support the biodiversity that is California State Parks' mission to protect.

What factors do you consider when planning a prescribed burn?
Safety is always the first consideration. There are many places that could benefit from fire that, for a variety of reasons, are not appropriate for prescribed burns. Where fire can safely be applied, its effect on the plant and animal communities is the next consideration. After that, details of when and how to apply fire to the area to achieve the desired result are considered.

How long does a prescribed burn typically last?
This depends primarily on the vegetation that is being burned, the size of the burn, and how well the smoke disperses. Grass fires of up to several hundred acres can be safely conducted in a single day with very little residual fire or smoke. Burning forests typically takes much longer, due to the larger fuels that take longer to consume. The portion of the burn where a fire is actively being lit may take as much as a couple of weeks, but the area that has been lit may smolder for weeks following ignition and only be completely extinguished when it rains.

How do you ensure the safety of people and private property during a prescribed burn?
Prescribed burns are carefully planned by staff with extensive training and experience. All plans are reviewed and permitted by Cal FIRE, the State’s fire suppression agency. All plans list the set of environmental conditions under which the burn can be lit (this is the prescription), and what resources must be available and in contingency prior to ignition.

How do you ensure minimal impact on air quality when burning?
We work closely with our local air districts who model and forecast expected smoke dispersal and adjust our tactics to limit smoke production when it is likely to have negative impacts on the community.

What happens to the animals in the area of the prescribed burn?
Most animals are adapted to fire. They either leave the area or seek refuge underground or in moist places that are unlikely to burn. While the vast majority of animals are unharmed, some do die in prescribed fires, but many fewer than in fast-moving wildfires.

How can I tell if a fire is a prescribed burn or a wildfire?
Prior to igniting a prescribed fire, California State Parks makes every effort to inform the community. There are a number of smartphone apps, such as PulsePoint, that will alert you about wildfires in Santa Cruz and San Mateo Counties and will not send alerts for planned fires.

Where can I find out about prescribed burns in advance?
For prescribed burns conducted in state parks in Santa Cruz and San Mateo Counties, check the calendar on this website's home page. Announcements and updates are also made on Santa Cruz-area State Parks' social media and the updates page. We also recommend following Cal FIRE CZU on social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram) and signing up for news updates on their agency's prescribed burns and wildfire responses in Santa Cruz and San Mateo Counties. 

Who can I talk to if I have more questions about prescribed burns?
Call the Santa Cruz District prescribed burns hotline at (831) 216-6459 or email SantaCruz.PrescribedBurns@parks.ca.gov.