These photos were taken in the early 1980s when trained volunteers conducted prescribed burns. Today, professionals work with trained volunteers and more equipment is available.


To start the fire, a drip torch is dragged across a fuel source, such as these dry leaves.


To contain the fire, volunteers stand by with flappers. If sparks shoot beyond the designated area, they are quickly beaten out.


Prairie fires move rapidly across the ground, driven by the wind, which directs them toward a fire break.


Prairie fires can be very dramatic because the dry thatch burns instantly. But once the the fuel source is consumed, the flames starve and die.


Because prairie plants have deep roots, they are safe beneath the surface during a burn. Most ecological burns occur in early spring before the growing season starts, or late fall when the ecosystem is dormant.
photos by Larry Godson