Prescribed fire is a highly efficient and cost-effective management tool that can be used to promote and enhance wildlife habitat by setting back vegetation and encouraging plant communities.

There are 4 primary techniques to light a prescribed fire. The lighting technique used will depend on fuels, weather, and the landowner objectives for the property. Depending on the technique used the intensity of fire can be adjusted to the desired level of comfortability by the burner and to achieve goals for a particular burn unit. 

Before discussing firing techniques, it is important to highlight the significance of sufficient firebreaks. Natural breaks such as creeks and roads can be used for firebreaks. Although, when possible, creating bare dirt with the use of a dozer, disk, or leaf blower is ideal for safe burning. It is always best to avoid relying on vegetative firebreaks. 

The 4 Main Firing Techniques

  1. Backing Fire- A backing fire moves against the wind. It is a slow-moving fire that is low intensity with lower flame heights than other firing techniques that consumes high amounts of fuel as it goes. Backing fires are lit along a firebreak on the downwind side of a burn unit and backs into the wind. It is the easiest fire to implement but takes longer to implement than other techniques. Backing fires are typically used when fuels are denser, especially ladder fuels, and damage to overstory trees is possible. Backing fires can also be implemented to increase the amount of blackline against your firebreak to make head fires safer to implement.
  2. Heading Fire- A head fire moves with the wind. This fire is lit on the upwind side of a burn unit and moves toward your backing fire and the blackline you have already established. Head fires are fast moving and can be intense depending on weather conditions, especially wind.
  3. Flanking fire- A flanking fire goes neither against the wind nor with the wind but runs parallel to the wind direction. They are used to connect the backing fire and head fires to cover the flanks to the firebreaks. The intensity of these fires is typically moderate in intensity. This firing technique can be dangerous with inconsistent winds and is typically best implemented with multiple burners.
  4. Point-source fires- This firing technique involves a grid system of small spot fires upwind of your backing fire. The purpose of this technique is to speed up the fire at a moderate intensity less than that of a head fire. It is best to set spot fires in a consistent equally distant pattern throughout the burn unit for efficient and safe burning. If burning with multiple burners be sure to coordinate and communicate when lighting point source fires. 

Base your firing techniques on the specific objectives you want to achieve for your property. Always consider how weather conditions and topography may influence any fire you ignite. And never overlook the importance of well-constructed firebreaks to ensure both safe and effective burning.