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Prescribed Fire
We use prescribed fires to improve ecosystem health and reduce wildfire risk.
Why prescribed fires?
Periodic disturbance by wildfire was the key ecological process that historically maintained inland pine barrens communities in the Albany Pine Bush. Both plant and animal species here have developed adaptations to and dependencies on fire. Whereas mechanical techniques and other forms of management may mimic some of the effects of fire and are critical parts of our restoration process, they cannot fully substitute for fire. Prescribed fire remains the most important tool for long-term management of the inland pine barrens communities and the species that depend on them.
Sign up to be notified
If you would like to be notified when prescribed fires occur in the preserve, please click here. We will be happy to add you to our phone-call or email notifications list.
We cannot provide a specific schedule for prescribed fires in a given area due to the unpredictability of weather and fuel conditions.
We also post information on AlbanyPineBush.org/alerts each day that we burn.
The nitty-gritty
Burns can only happen when the weather conditions are just right, so most years there are fewer than 20 days when a prescribed burn is even possible. We typically use prescribed burning during the spring, summer and fall.
Only highly trained individuals can participate in a prescribed fire. At the preserve, these individuals include Albany Pine Bush Preserve staff, local volunteers and regional partners.
We want your feedback!
Would you like to be notified when prescribed fires occur in the Albany Pine Bush? Have prescribed fires or smoke affected you in any way (positively or negatively)? Click here to submit your comments about our prescribed fire program.
Prescribed Fire Video
