We are a group of private landowners and community members working to safely use prescribed fire. In California, fire was a natural part of the pre-settlement ecosystem. There are many benefits that can be derived from appropriately using prescribed fire: improving forage for livestock, managing fuel loads, reducing potential impacts of wildfires to communities, restoring ecological processes interrupted by fire suppression, and more. For even more information, there are several articles about the PBA.
The Humboldt County Prescribed Burn Association formed and conducted its first burns in 2017, and was the first PBA formed in the western United States. It is supported through membership dues, grants, and the volunteer efforts of the members.
Burns are scheduled as they are ready to go. A typical burn involves a permit and smoke management plan from the air district – required year around. From May 1 to the end of the “declared fire season,” (usually first week of November), CAL FIRE also requires a burn permit if in a wildland area – as are most of our burns. Prior to that, a burn plan is usually prepared. Burns more complicated than burn piles will often have a qualified burn boss conduct the burn. The burns are prioritized by the PBA Board – based on timing/readiness, and participation with other PBA burns. Target dates are identified, but can be subject to change based on burning conditions, red flag warning events, and no burn day limitations from the air district. When it all appears to be coming together, notification is sent out to the PBA members to get folks ready to burn.
Assistance from the local fire departments is really helpful. The FDs get some burn experience and training, and the PBA gets help to maintain control of the prescribed burn. Participating FDs are usually given a stipend to help defray their costs for fuel and equipment wear and tear.
Through grant funding, the PBA has a great collection of equipment to help with the burns. Drip torches, basic wildland fire tools, Nomex shirts, slip-in pumpers, backpack pumps, hose, portable water tanks, and radios. Our trailer is rather large, so requires some horsepower and skill to get it on-site. This equipment is available for any PBA burn.
Personal equipment requirements for burners: good boots, gloves, headwear, protective eyewear, Nomex or cotton-based pants and shirts. Your own fire gear is nice, but not required. The PBA has a limited amount of Nomex available.
Liability ultimately resides with the landowner sponsoring the burn. Many ranch and agricultural policies provide coverage for ag burning activities. So far, this has not be a major issue for the PBA.
For more information about the PBA, you can contact Henri Holbrook, Lenya Quinn-Davidson, Jeff Stackhouse, or the webmaster.