Topic outline

  • Guide to Prescribed Burning Methods

    Credits: 8 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    This course is based on the USDA publication "Introduction to Prescribed Fire in Southern Ecosystems", which provides an overview of the benefits and techniques of using prescribed fire in southern ecosystems. The publication discusses the history of fire in these ecosystems, the ecological benefits of prescribed fire, and the safety considerations that must be taken into account when conducting prescribed burns.

    The publication also provides detailed guidance on the planning and implementation of prescribed fires, including selecting burn units, developing burn plans, and conducting burn operations.  Finally, the publication discusses the monitoring and evaluation of prescribed fires and their effects on ecosystem health.

    Topics:

    • Introduction to prescribed fire in southern ecosystems
    • History of fire in southern ecosystems
    • Ecological benefits of prescribed fire
    • Safety considerations for conducting prescribed fires
    • Planning and implementation of prescribed fires
    • Selecting burn units, Developing burn plans, Conducting burn operations
    • Monitoring and evaluation of prescribed fires
    • Effects of prescribed fire on ecosystem health
    • Prescribed fire and smoke management
    • Prescribed fire and wildlife management
    • Challenges and opportunities for using prescribed fire in southern ecosystems

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course:
    Click below to enroll:
    (must be logged into your user account)


    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.
         NOTE: After the exam is completed, you will need to return to this page, in order to print (download) the certificate of completion.

    Print the Certificate of Completion

    Intended Audience: primarily for civil, construction, land development, environmental, and other engineers whose job description may require an introductory or intermediate knowledge of prescribed burning methods and principles.
    Publication Source: USDA

    Donald Parnell, PE