The April Driptorch Digest is Now Available!

Wildfires Burn Across the Southeast

Currently, North and South Carolina face severe wildfires that are consuming thousands of acres and prompting widespread evacuations. The fires were fueled by dry conditions, strong winds, and debris from Hurricane Helene, which had left millions of downed trees. Significant fires like the Black Cove and Deep Woods fires in North Carolina and the Table Rock and Persimmon Ridge fires expanded rapidly, affecting thousands of acres and necessitating unprecedented emergency responses.

Our hearts go out to those affected by these devastating fires, and we thank all of the personnel involved in helping contain these wildfires. These events underscore the critical importance of prescribed fire for the environment. Regular, controlled burns help reduce hazardous fuel loads, such as fallen trees and dense underbrush, thereby mitigating the intensity and spread of wildfires. By proactively managing forest fuels through prescribed fire, land managers can enhance ecosystem resilience and better protect communities from devastating wildfires.

A recent study published in the International Journal of Wildland Fire highlights the significant role of Prescribed Burn Associations (PBAs) in promoting the use of prescribed fire across the United States. These community-led groups have successfully mobilized thousands of volunteers to collectively conduct prescribed burns on private lands, effectively reducing barriers such as limited resources and training opportunities. By fostering a neighbors-helping-neighbors approach, PBAs enhance local capacity for fire management and contribute to healthier, more resilient ecosystems.

In the southeastern United States, where fire-adapted ecosystems are prevalent, PBAs play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and reducing wildfire risks. Their collaborative efforts not only facilitate the sharing of equipment and expertise but also empower landowners to actively participate in land stewardship. As the demand for prescribed burning increases, the PBA model offers a scalable and community-driven solution to enhance the pace and scope of fire management practices in the region.

The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) has released its National Significant Wildland Fire Potential Outlook for March through June 2025. The forecast indicates that above-normal significant fire potential is expected in parts of the Southern Area, particularly from the Lower Mississippi Valley east into the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida during March. In April, this elevated potential is projected to persist along the southeast Atlantic coast into Florida and from the southern Appalachians to the Atlantic Coast. By May and June, above-normal fire potential is anticipated to continue along the southeast Atlantic coast into Florida.

Given these projections, it is advisable for fire managers and communities in the Southeast to maintain heightened awareness and preparedness.

Key resources for monitoring and preparedness include:

Congress has approved a permanent pay increase for federal and tribal wildland firefighters across the United States, aiming to enhance recruitment and retention in response to escalating wildfire challenges. In the southeastern United States, where prescribed fire is a critical tool for managing fire-prone ecosystems and reducing wildfire risks, this pay increase is expected to bolster the workforce essential for implementing controlled burns. By ensuring fair compensation, the initiative supports the skilled professionals dedicated to safeguarding communities and maintaining ecological balance through effective fire management practices.

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has directed the agency to revisit the Exceptional Events Rule to facilitate the inclusion of prescribed fires in State and Tribal Implementation Plans. This initiative aims to reduce regulatory barriers, enabling states to use controlled burns as a proactive measure against catastrophic wildfires. In the southern United States, where prescribed fire is integral to maintaining healthy ecosystems and mitigating wildfire risks, this policy shift supports land managers in implementing effective fire management strategies.

The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) has released the 2025 edition of the Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), a vital resource for wildland firefighters. This updated guide includes significant enhancements such as nighttime fuel moisture estimates and clearer fire weather forecasting, which are crucial for effective fire management. These updates provide fire managers with improved data and methodologies. The revised IRPG supports safer and more efficient prescribed burning practices, contributing to the overall effectiveness of fire management strategies in the southern region.

Tall Timbers has received a U.S. Forest Service grant to enhance the Southern Group of State Foresters' Prescribed Burn Planner, an online tool that assists fire practitioners in determining optimal weather and environmental conditions for controlled burns. Upcoming improvements include advanced smoke modeling, mobile accessibility, and integration with national tracking databases, aiming to support safe and effective prescribed fire practices. By providing data-driven insights and real-time notifications, this Burn Planner platform aids land managers in making informed decisions, thereby enhancing the efficacy and safety of prescribed burns across the region.

A recent study from Kruger National Park in South Africa examined the long-term effects of prescribed fire on ground-dwelling arthropods. The findings revealed that while frequent fires reduced the abundance of certain groups like ants and grasshoppers, prescribed burns overall increased the richness (variety of species) of ants, grasshoppers, beetles, and spiders. These insights suggest that, when applied thoughtfully, prescribed fire can enhance biodiversity within arthropod communities, contributing to overall ecosystem health.

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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This newsletter is made possible through a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, with support from the USDA Forest Service and the Department of Defense.