Written by: Kevin Owens
Edits by: Pierce Young
Prescribed burning is one of the most effective tools for managing wildlife habitat and maintaining healthy forest ecosystems. In Mississippi, the timing and execution of prescribed burns can dramatically influence both the safety and effectiveness of the burn. This guide outlines best practices for seasonal timing, daily conditions, ideal weather, and safety considerations.
Seasonal Timing for Prescribed Burns
The ideal time for prescribed burns in Mississippi depends on your management goals. Understanding the seasonal growth patterns of plants, fuel moisture, and weather is key.
Dormant Season Burns (mid-November to early-March)
- Main Purposes:
- Reduce fuel loads in pine forests
- Cleanup forests 1-2 years post-timber harvest
- Promote native grasses short-term
- Promote understory brush long-term
- Conduct the first burn to set the stage for future burns in other seasons
- Why It Works:
- Plants are dormant, so fire won’t damage live vegetation
- Fuel moisture is low, and cooler temperatures allow for a slower, more controlled burn
- Ideal Weather Conditions:
- Temperature: 40–65°F
- Relative Humidity: 35–55%
- Wind: 5–12 mph from a consistent direction
- Other: No rain in the past 24 hours; soil not saturated
- Recommended Areas:
- Managed pine stands, managed upland hardwood stands, native vegetation fields
Growing Season Burns (mid-March to early-July)
- Main Purposes:
- Control hardwood saplings and brush
- Reduce competition for desired vegetation
- Conduct burns under less intense conditions due to higher fuel moisture
- Why It Works:
- During this time, hardwood saplings have moved nutrients to above-ground growth; top-killing them with fire reduces their capacity to resprout
- Ideal Weather Conditions:
- Temperature: 50–70°F
- Relative Humidity: 25–40%
- Wind: 10–15 mph
- Other: Dry fuels (no rain for a few weeks), no thunderstorms forecasted, soil not overly wet
- Recommended Areas:
- Hardwood-dominated forests, pine stands with encroaching brush and midstory
Late-Summer/Fall Burns (mid-July to late-October)
- Main Purposes:
- Reduce understory brush and midstory encroaching hardwood trees
- Convert grass-dominated areas to more herbaceous vegetation
- Provide more burn days if windows of burning were missed earlier in the year due to wet conditions
- Why It Works:
- Warmer temperatures, lower humidity, and drier conditions make it easier for fire to move through dense, mature vegetation.
- Ideal Weather Conditions:
- Temperature: 60–80°F
- Relative Humidity: 40–60%
- Wind: 5–8 mph
- Other: Dry conditions, minimal recent rainfall, consistent wind direction
- Recommended Areas:
- Pine forests, native vegetation fields
Daily Timing Considerations
The time of day also plays a critical role in burn success and safety.
- Mid-Morning Burns (8–11 AM):
- Higher humidity and lower wind speeds create a slower, more manageable fire
- Smoke dispersal typically improves as temperatures rise, reducing visibility hazards
- Afternoon Burns (12–3 PM):
- Lower humidity and higher wind speeds produce a hotter, faster-moving fire
- Risk of smoke drifting increases
- Best suited for experienced burn managers targeting intense fuel reduction
Safety and Legal Considerations
Prescribed burning carries inherent risks. Following safety protocols and complying with local regulations is essential:
- Consult Regulations
- Work with Certified Burn Managers
- Monitor Weather Conditions
- Prepare Equipment and the Site
- Ensure all participants have proper safety gear and communication devices
Conclusion
The success of a prescribed burn depends on matching the season, daily conditions, and burn objectives to your specific site. Careful planning and adherence to safety protocols are essential for effective results.
For more information on prescribed fire and best management practices visit