The Public Broadcasting System has produced a 10-minute report on a small but growing trend of landowners conducting or helping to execute small prescribed fires on their property. Some of the community-led projects are just a few acres or, less than an acre. More organizations that specialize in land management are providing information to property owners that are interested in reducing hazardous fuels, using fire as a tool.

This is certainly not, and may never reach the level where it makes a large difference in the overall grand picture as far as acres treated. But as more members of the public see successful outcomes of prescribed fires, it could accelerate acceptance of allowing fire to visit on routine basis. It may also educate homeowners about the importance of hardening the defenses in their home ignition zone.

And, as firefighters know, once you pick up and use a drip torch to ignite a few hundred feet of fire, you don’t really want to put it down. I learned the value of letting National Park Superintendents, for example, operate the tool, and watched their smile grow as they walked with fire.

It is a very good report, below. Check it out. You’re welcome.