DENDROLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Controlled burning, also known as prescribed burning, involves setting planned fires to maintain the health of a forest. These burns are scheduled for a time when the fire will not pose a threat to the public or to fire managers.

Detailed explanation-2: -A controlled fire must be carefully planned and is usually executed in the early spring or late fall. The fire team will establish a firebreak and set a downwind backfire to create a blackline of burned area, reducing the amount of fuel the primary fire will come into contact with before the firebreak.

Detailed explanation-3: -Benefits of a safe and successful prescribed burn: Removes old vegetation to make room for new growth. Shifts soil nutrients to a state more favorable to prairie species. Helps reduce the spread of invasive and pest species. Consumes excess fuel, such as dead and downed trees, reducing dangerous and intense wildfires.

Detailed explanation-4: -Wildfire is unplanned and uncontrolled, whether ignited by lightning, a human or other ignition source. A “controlled fire” is ignited intentionally by a human with a desire to control it, but the fire may or may not involve adequate planning, preparation, labor and equipment to contain it.