Spring and fall are the times of the year when wildfires do the most damage to forests and property across the South. At this time of the year, the forests have not completely greened up, and the soils are usually too wet for fire-fighting equipment to get to the areas where it is most needed. Dry and windy conditions, along with a large amount of debris caused by recent hurricanes, create the potential for serious wildfires during the next several weeks. In an average year, wildfires damage about 50,000 acres of forestlands across the state. This is about one out of every 400 acres. Many of these wildfires occur here in Robeson County.

Although wildfires cannot be totally eliminated, there is a management tool that landowners can use to drastically reduce the damage that may be caused by wildfires. Hazard-reduction burning is the process of establishing fire lanes around and through forest areas and then conducting a "controlled burn" to reduce the amount of debris in the area.

By removing debris - all the old leaves, pine needles, and dead limbs that have fallen from the trees - the amount of fuel for a fire is reduced. Then if a fire does start, either intentionally or by accident, there is not enough fuel for the fire to burn too hot and to cause damage to the trees.

Contrary to common belief, forest fires do not damage our forests as much as Smokey Bear leads us to believe, as long as the fires are controlled and conducted properly. In fact, most healthy forests thrive on periodic burning which allows debris to be properly removed. Even wildlife, except for a very few species, move from the area once fires begin, or they seclude themselves so they are not harmed by the flames.

Fires actually stimulate the seeds of some plants to germinate. They also remove competition so small plants can grow and produce seeds, a much-needed food source for much of the wildlife.

The local Forest Service is the primary agency responsible for assisting landowners with hazard-reduction burning as well as detecting and controlling forest fires. They also issue burning permits so fire control personnel know where to expect fires and to reduce the risks associated with people burning outdoor debris.

Smokey Bear is right when he says "only you can prevent forest fires." People are responsible for starting most of the fires that cause damage to our forests. Almost one-third of the wildfires in the state are caused by people burning trash and then letting the fire get out of control.

All landowners are encouraged to write the number of the local Forest Service, 618-5540, on the front of their phone book where it can be easily located. While doing so, go ahead and write the number of the volunteer fire department serving your community. Then if you need assistance with hazard-reduction burning on your property, you will know who to contact. Also, if a wildfire starts on your property or anywhere in your community, you can quickly reach someone for assistance.

Arson has always been a major issue in this area. Anyone suspecting arson as a cause of forest fires, please call the toll-free number of the North Carolina Forest Service - 1-800- 662-7610. If you are planning a controlled burn for your forest or if you live in a rural area and are burning outdoor debris, there are several very important steps you should follow. First, make sure the weather conditions are right for burning. There is much less risk if the humidity is less than 30 percent and winds are less than 10 miles per hour.

You should get a burning permit from the Forest Service. I have already given you their phone number. Burn in the late afternoon as the wind is dying down and the humidity is rising.

Clean around the area before burning. When burning a field, disk a couple of passes around the border of the field. Start fires downwind and let the fire burn into the wind.

It is always best to keep fires as small as possible. Once the fire is started and progressing as planned, add additional fuel gradually. Naturally, make sure you have all the tools and help you may need readily available before you strike the first match. Fire can be a great forest management tool. Just make sure you know how to use it and always use it properly.

E-mail address: Everett_Davis@ncsu.edu

Mailing Address:
P. O. Box 2280
Lumberton, NC 28359-2280

Phone: 910-671-3276
Fax: 910-671-6278

Date Created 09/07/01