The August Driptorch Digest is Now Available

Smokey Bear threw a big bash for his 80th birthday this past month, and it's not just a celebration—it's a call to action! Since his debut in 1944, Smokey has become a famous symbol for wildfire prevention, reminding us all with his famous slogan, "Only YOU can prevent wildfires." The festivities included a national event spotlighting the heroes of wildfire prevention and honoring the legacy of this beloved bear. Smokey’s milestone isn't just about cake and candles; it’s about rallying people to continue the fight against wildfires with the same vigor that Smokey has inspired for eight decades.

The significance of Smokey’s 80th goes beyond nostalgia; it’s a timely reminder of the crucial role everyone plays in wildfire prevention. As climate change intensifies the wildfire risks, Smokey's message is more important than ever. The celebration is a chance to reflect on how far we've come in modern wildfire management and renew our commitment to protecting our forests and communities. So, as we cheer for Smokey this month, let’s also gear up to make his message of prevention a daily practice.

As temperatures rise and the fire season approaches, it’s crucial for prescribed burners to adapt their strategies to mitigate the risk of uncontrolled wildfires. Be sure to thoroughly review and update your burn plans. Make sure that these plans include specific measures for dealing with extreme heat conditions, such as adjusting burn windows to cooler parts of the day and incorporating more robust firebreaks, in order to help manage the intensity of the burn and reduce the likelihood of it spreading beyond intended boundaries.

Another important aspect is to carefully monitor weather conditions before and during burns. High temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds can significantly increase the risk of fire escape. Use forecasting tools and local fire weather reports to choose the best time for conducting burns. Implementing real-time weather tracking can also help you make quick decisions about pausing or modifying burn operations.

Finally, focus on maintaining and managing fuel loads effectively. In preparation for the heat, conduct thorough site assessments to identify and mitigate any excessive fuel accumulations, such as dead vegetation or dense underbrush. Properly clearing and managing these fuels can help reduce the intensity of the fire and make it easier to control. By taking these proactive measures, you’ll not only enhance the safety of your burn operations but also contribute to overall forest health and wildfire prevention.

Canada is exploring the use of traditional Indigenous fire management techniques to fight the increasingly severe wildfires, using centuries-old practices to help control blazes and restore ecological balance. Using methods such as controlled burns and strategic fire use offer a valuable contrast to modern firefighting approaches, potentially reducing the intensity and spread of wildfires. In the southern U.S., where wildfires are also becoming more frequent and destructive, adopting similar Indigenous practices could provide innovative solutions for managing and lowering the impact of these growing threats.

This article from NASA discusses the Wildland Fire Management Initiative, a program aimed at improving the understanding and management of wildfires using satellite technology. It highlights how NASA's Earth-observing satellites provide critical data to help monitor and predict fire behavior, assess damage, and support firefighting efforts. The initiative shows the importance of integrating satellite observations with ground-based efforts to improve wildfire response and management strategies.

Multiple NRCS Funding Programs

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service offers several funding programs that may be used to support prescribed burning. Many private landowners in the South have already taken advantage of these programs but this year there may be more funding available than in previous years. Programs vary by area, so check out the information pages listed below.
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)
Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP)

The Driptorch Digest is distributed by NC State University as a project of the Southeast Regional Partnership for Planning and Sustainability (SERPPAS) Prescribed Fire Working Group.

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