What goes into planning a prescribed burn?

In the heart of Central Texas, the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge (BCNWR) stands as a sanctuary for native plants and wildlife, including the endangered golden-cheeked warbler and black-capped vireo. To preserve these critical habitats, land managers at the Refuge employ an essential tool in their conservation arsenal: prescribed fires.

Prescribed fires—carefully planned and controlled burns—are used to manage the landscape, restore habitats, and prevent wildfires. At BCNWR, these fires play a crucial role in maintaining the health of grasslands, oak savannas, and shrublands, all while reducing hazardous fuel that could fuel a larger, more dangerous wildfire.

The Burn Boss and Fire Management Officer (FMO) oversee the operation at large. The Burn Boss is the leader on the ground, managing the fire’s ignition, containment, and safety protocols. This person must have a minimum qualification of RXB2—a certification that ensures expertise in the complexities of prescribed fire operations. 

The FMO, meanwhile, oversees broader fire management operations, providing guidance and support to the Burn Boss. These roles work in tandem with fire operations teams, which include trained firefighters, fireline personnel, and safety officers. Everyone involved is required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)—a critical precaution when working in high-heat, high-risk environments.

Detailed planning for weather, smoke, and safety

An integral component of the burn plan is weather monitoring. Prescribed fires can only be conducted within a specific range of conditions, including acceptable levels of relative humidity, wind speed, and fuel moisture. These elements are essential for ensuring that the fire behaves as expected—consuming the right types of fuels according to previous modeling. 

A carefully selected prescription window ensures the burn is conducted when environmental conditions are most conducive to achieving the Refuge's biological goals.

One of the most important aspects of the prescribed fire plan at BCNWR is smoke management. Fire management teams closely monitor air quality to reduce smoke exposure to nearby communities. This is done by utilizing weather forecasts, air quality sensors, and the National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS), which helps fire managers predict smoke dispersion. The Smoke Management Plan ensures that sensitive areas, such as schools or health facilities, are not impacted by smoke.

Once the fire is completed, monitoring continues. The Burn Boss and fire operations teams conduct a thorough post-burn evaluation to assess the burn’s success and gather data on how effectively it met its ecological objectives. This includes tracking fire behavior, vegetation recovery, and the impacts on species like the golden-cheeked Warbler.

A long-term monitoring plan ensures that the objectives of the prescribed fire—such as the reduction of hazardous fuels and the restoration of wildlife habitat—are achieved and maintained. Fire managers continually assess the progress by making on-the-ground observations and monitoring responses from the local wildlife.

A collaborative effort



The success of a prescribed fire at BCNWR is a testament to the coordinated efforts of a dedicated team. From weather specialists and wildlife biologists to firefighters and agency administrators, each individual plays a vital role in ensuring that the Refuge’s burn plans contribute to a healthier, safer environment. With its carefully designed processes, BCNWR is setting an example of how prescribed fires can be a tool not just for land management, but for conservation and biodiversity protection.

By integrating fire back into the landscape in a controlled and thoughtful way, BCNWR is creating a resilient ecosystem that can withstand the challenges of climate change, invasive species, and wildfire risk. These fire management practices are not only preserving a beautiful corner of Texas—they’re ensuring that the Refuge remains a haven for wildlife for generations to come.