Module 9: Pre Burn timetable

Burn planning and preparation

Module Objective: To familiarise yourself with a preparation schedule for your prescribed burn.

Checklist

It’s important to have a checklist and schedule activities to ensure that everything is in place before you conduct the burn so that you are adequately prepared.

In the lead up to and on the day of the burn, there are several tasks that must be performed. Click here for the printable version

12 Months Prior to the burn

• Develop the burn plan
• Follow up with any legal requirements (including: Insurance policies, resource consents etc)
• If required, develop a smoke management plan
• Identify and develop fire breaks to contain your fire
• Remove dead trees and scrub within 6m of the fire break
• Scout and identify any hazard concerns for staff (i.e. terrain, fences, bees, etc)
• Develop a fire escape contingency plan
• Develop a safety plan

3 Months prior to the burn

• Notify adjacent landowners/neighbours of intent to conduct a prescribed burn
• Consider co-ordinate your burn with adjacent landers to share resources
• Arrange for additional staff and equipment needed
• Obtain necessary permits. you may need a permit to burn
• Review all plans (burn, smoke, safety)
• Have a contingency plan in case things don’t go as planned.

1 Month prior to burn

• Clear any vegetation around access points for vehicle entry to burn area

1 week prior to the burn

• Check weather forecast for a suitable burn window
• Check the fire season status for any restrictions or temporary prohibitions. If the season has changed, you may need a permit to burn. During the restricted fire season, you will need a permit. You cannot light any open fire during a total fire ban.
• Implement public notification

1-2 days prior

• Continue to check weather forecast for a suitable burn window
• Notify adjacent landers/neighbours with your intent to burn
• Drive around site to check fire breaks and access points
• Test to ensure that all burn equipment is functioning properly
• Test suppression equipment to ensure that it is functioning properly
• Check that you have suitable clothing for the burn
• Shift livestock, equipment, pets and washing if needed
• Contact the appropriate authority if power and telephone lines are nearby.
• Check the long-range weather forecast for the following 48 hours and make sure no strong winds are forecast

Day of burn

• Check the weather forecast for the day and next 48 hours
• Review pre-burn checklist prior to ignition
• Close windows and doors
• Notify FENZ comms and your local fire officer
• Conduct a preburn safety briefing with your staff
• Keep a record of your burn events (weather, fire behaviour, how successful, what worked well, what didn’t go so well).

• Consider best time for lighting your fire when the weather is generally more stable

  The fire should only be lit with wind blowing away from any shelter belt, trees, fences, buildings or other combustible material. Be ready to put the fire out at the first sign of a change in weather or other conditions that could move the fire out of your control. If the fire moves outside the area, dial 111 and ask for the Fire Service.

Post burn

• Walk around the burn area and ensure your fire is fully extinguished
• Notify FENZ comms and your local officer that the operation has ended, and the fire is fully extinguished.
• Conduct an AAR/debrief with your staff involved

• Check your pile in the days and weeks following burning to ensure it is cold in the centre. Turn the pile and, if possible, apply water to cool it down.

  Strong winds can fan a fire back into life and shift embers, creating unwanted fires. Piles of burnt vegetation can hold heat for months after burning.

**Activity**: Download and print this check list off and go through it. Click here

Learning outcome:

What are the critical aspects required before, during and after you light a fire