Controlled Fires, Happy Lands
A lesson on fire from the Doeskin Pavilion
Few phenomena captivate us like the paradox of fire. Both life-giving and destructive, fire has been used throughout history for warmth, cooking, and landscape management.
But not all fire is wild and uncontrolled; some are intentional, closely managed burns to achieve specific ecological goals. At Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge (BCNWR), prescribed burns are orchestrated to preserve habitats and mitigate the risk of devastating wildfires.
A recent presentation at the Doeskin Ranch Pavilion by Fire Management Officer Carl Schwope provided a window into the science, strategy, and community collaboration behind prescribed burns, part of the refuge’s Cow Creek Watershed Conservation Series.
“Whether you like it or not, you’re part of the success of the refuge.”
Months of planning go into each burn, from assessing vegetation and weather conditions to coordinating with local fire departments. “The real threat to prescribed fire isn’t the fire escaping—it’s smoke,” Schwope said, highlighting the need to address community concerns through education and transparency.
For that reason, one of the upcoming burns at the refuge will be highly visible next to a highway.
Historical insights also guide fire management at BCNWR. Changes wrought by logging and grazing in the 1800s disrupted the natural landscape, leaving fire as a key tool to restore its pre-European settlement condition, according to Engine Captain Caleb Thyer. Each prescribed fire plan at BCNWR adapts to the refuge’s mosaic of grasslands, juniper-oak woodlands, and invasive species, ensuring safety while achieving ecological goals.
The refuge is also home to the endangered golden-cheeked warbler, one of the primary reasons for its establishment in 1992. Controlled burns support habitat preservation for this species by encouraging oak regeneration and reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfires that would devastate their habitats.
Schwope’s description of fire management was rooted in its broader ecological impact. “As far as the natural ecosystem, it’s gotta happen,” he said, describing how animals like hawks and snakes instinctively adapt to the flames.
Even the timing of burns is strategic: summer and early fall burns boost wildflowers, while burns in the growing season increase biodiversity. “One side of the road was pink and the other was white,” he said, explaining the results of a study on how fire seasons influence wildflower plant responses.
"Burning during the prescription window means more diversity."
At BCNWR, plans adapt to changing environmental conditions, but the core objectives remain the same:
- Reducing hazardous fuels
- Mimicking natural processes and restoring historical landscape balance
- Protecting habitat for endangered and threatened species
- Controlling invasive species
- Encouraging native plant diversity and promoting new growth
- Preventing catastrophic wildfires
With a team of 15–16 trained crew members, prescribed burns involve mowing grass lines, tracking wind and slope alignment, and lighting fires to move strategically downwind. Fire moves at about 100 feet per hour, according to Schwope, adding that each burn is coordinated with the National Weather Service to anticipate gusts.
Senior firefighters are key in conducting site assessments to gauge fuel loads and selecting the necessary tools and equipment in the planning phase. Their findings inform updates to the burn plan, ensuring it reflects current conditions.
Each area requires specific firing techniques to meet desired objectives. For example, heavy juniper slash areas (Fuel Model SB3) may require pre-burn piling and burning to reduce fire intensity and protect mature trees.
Additionally, Texas regulations set certain criteria, such as a minimum wind speed of 6 mph for effective smoke dispersal and a cutoff for burns 30 minutes before sunset to prevent smoke settling. “It’s easier to improvise, but harder to notify during the burn,” he said, underscoring the challenges of balancing strategy and communication.
By the end of the talk, one message burned brightly: prescribed fires aren’t just about flames—they’re about fostering life. From preserving grasslands to supporting native wildlife, they are an essential part of managing the rich landscapes of Balcones Canyonlands.
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