What is a prescribed burn?

A prescribed burn is the knowledgeable application of fire to a specific land area to accomplish pre-determined forest management and/or other land use objectives.

Did you know fire can be good for people and the land? After many years of fire exclusion, an ecosystem that needs periodic fire becomes unhealthy. Trees are stressed by overcrowding; fire-dependent species disappear; and flammable fuels build up and become hazardous. The right fire at the right place at the right time:

  • Reduces hazardous fuels, protecting human communities from extreme fires;

  • Minimizes the spread of pest insects and disease;

  • Removes unwanted species that threaten species native to an ecosystem;

  • Provides forage for game;

  • Improves habitat for threatened and endangered species;

  • Recycles nutrients back to the soil; and

  • Promotes the growth of trees, wildflowers, and other plants;

Managed prescribed burns and even some wildfires to benefit natural resources and reduce the risk of unwanted wildfires in the future.

 

Who can perform a prescribed burn?

Licensed and insured contractors or companies with proof of insurance.

□      Burn Plan Filled Out Completely and Signed - Click Here

□      Aerial view of the proposed burn areas

□      Insurance Policy Submitted (minimum 1-million-dollar policy)

 

Submit all prescribed burn documents in 1 of 3 ways (48 hours prior to burn):

1. Email:

Battalion Chief Nick Heltemes at nheltemes@lakecountryfire.com

 

2. Mail:

LCFR

115 Main St. Delafield, WI 53018

Attn: BC Heltemes

 

3. Drop off in person:  

LCFR Station 42 (M-F between 8am–4pm)

115 Main St. Delafield, WI 53018

Attn: BC Heltemes

Is a prescribed burn different than outdoor burning or open burning?

YES! A prescribed fire is purposeful application of fire by licensed contractors to a land area for forest/land management. A prescribed fire can be as small as a 10’ x 10’ area or as big as multiple acres. Outdoor or open burning is performed by homeowners to burn woody and natural vegetation in a small burn pile, typically not exceeding 4’ wide x 4’ long x 4’ high (check your local burning ordinance for more information). Local burning ordinances are on this website.

 

Who can I contact at LCFR for more information?

Contact Battalion Chief Nick Heltemes at (262)646-6235 or nheltemes@lakecountryfire.com (email contact is preferred)

 

After the prescribed fire is approved by LCFR who should you contact before you actually start burning?

Please call the on-duty LCFR shift commander at (262) 719-9866 the morning of the burn. Additionally, please contact Waukesha County Communications (dispatch center) at (262) 446-5070 to notify them of your location and approximate timeframe.

 

Post Fire Actions

Please contact the on-duty shift commander at (262) 719-9866 to let them know the prescribed burn is complete.

 

LCFR Prescribed Burn Weather Conditions (this applies ONLY to prescribed burn contractors)

Wind: 12 mph or less

Relative Humidity: 30-80%

 

LCFR reserves the right to halt burning at any time even if all minimum requirements are met.