Plan a burn

Prescribed fires are managed to meet objectives identified within a site plan or prescription. They are implemented in accordance with an approved burn plan to limit the negative impacts to surrounding values, such as escapes or smoke.

How To Plan A Burn

These fires can take many months or even several years to plan depending on the size, complexity and objectives you are trying to achieve. There are many resources and supports available to assist you through the entire prescribed fire lifecycle.

There are three phases of a prescribed fire project: planning, implementation, and post-burn analysis. There are several processes and steps within each phase.

Key Resources

BCWS Planning a Prescribed Burn Community Resiliency Investment Funding Forest Enhancement Society of BC
Prescribed Fire Icon

Lifecycle of a Prescribed Fire

A Prescribed Fire can take many months or even several years to plan depending on the size, complexity and objectives you are trying to achieve. There are three phases of a prescribed fire project that have several processes and steps within each phase:

Burn Plan Considerations:

  • Inputs: fuel, weather and topography
  • Outputs: fire intensity and rate of spread
  • Smoke Management: venting and smoke sensitive zones
Burning typically takes place in Spring or Fall when conditions are typically better for short and low intensity burning. Information is available at the BC Wildfire Services website “Planning a Burn” page to see all the steps and documents required. We have many resources available to help guide you through the process.