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- Info
The use of prescribed burning as a wildfire prevention tool
| Author: |
Koehler, John T. |
| Date: |
1991 |
| Periodical: |
National Fire Academy, Fire Officer Program |
| Link: |
http://flame.fl-dof.com/Env/koehler.html
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| Abstract: |
Prescribed burning is often mentioned as a tool to prevent wildfires. Few data exist to support this premise. The purpose of this research was to show that prescribed burning. is an effective long-term wildfire prevention tool. The study used a descriptive historical research methodology. The research questions to be answered were: 1. Does prescribed burning reduce the-`size and intensity of wildfires? 2. Are the effects of prescribed burning as a wildfire prevention tool measurable? 3. Does the use of prescribed burning eliminate the threat of wildfire? A 'study was done on the prescribed burning and wildfire data in selected areas within the Orlando District of the Florida Division of Forestry. The results indicate that a sustained program of prescribed burning reduces the number of wildfires, acres burned, and average acres per wildfire. Prescribed burning did not eliminate the threat of wildfire, only ameliorated its effects. The . recommendations of the study included further research to document and quantify the benefits of prescribed burning, inform the fire service and the public on the use of prescribed fire for 'wildfire prevention, and promote the general use of prescribed burning by .landowners and land managers. |
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