My First Prescribed Burn

One of the capstone projects I participated in as a Missouri Master Naturalist Intern was at Earth's Classroom in Rosebud, Missouri. Over the summer and fall last year, I spent three days learning about conducting burns, the behavior of fire, and equipment needed for preparing for a burn and for the burn itself.

I spent summer days clearing debris from the fireline. We had to make sure the firebreak was clear of limbs and other matter that could allow the fire to escape. Leaf blowers were used to move leaves that were near the fireline farther away.

In the fall we returned to push down/cut down dead trees near the fireline. We also raked leaves away from the bases of trees, exposing the bare earth. All of this preparation was well worth it. We had a beautiful day in February to finally burn the areas we had spent many hours preparing. Everything went perfectly. It was a lovely conclusion to an exciting project.

Big flames. Big heat. Big sound.

I love the effect of smoke on the landscape. It reminds me of fog. It has a mysterious haunting look to it.

One of my favorite pictures. You can barely see the fire in the foreground.

This shows everything going on-blackened earth, fire, leaf littered floor, smoke, and blue sky.