Wildland and Prescribed Fire

Wildland and Prescribed Fire

Fire can be both a good and bad force in the forest. Under controlled conditions, the benefits of fire in forest and ecosystem management are great. Under uncontrolled conditions, fires can be disastrous.

Prevention and suppression of wildfires is a key part of the Virginia Department of Forestry’s (DOF) mission; the agency achieves this through education, as well as responding to and suppressing wildfires. DOF responders suppress more than 700 wildfires each year, protecting forests and property. Fire can be an important component of healthy landscapes, but in developed landscapes, fire can also be devastating, causing loss and harm to people and property. Managing fire in the landscape is critical to maintain healthy forestland and safe communities.

These same individuals who suppress wildfires also use fire as a management tool, completing around 4,000 acres of prescribed or controlled burning to benefit Virginia ecosystems.

DOF’s wildfire prevention program is also going strong. Almost all wildfires in Virginia are caused by humans – therefore, almost all wildfires are preventable. With this in mind, DOF places much emphasis on preventing wildfires through awareness and educational programs, working with youth, adults, and communities. Prevention is our best defense against wildfires!



Wildland and Prescribed Fire Resources

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ImageTitleIDDescriptionContent TypeViewhf:tax:document-categoryhf:tax:document-tagshf:tax:Media
4PM Burning Law in Effect and Burning Law in Brief Sign
4PM Burning Law in Effect and Burning Law in Brief Sign

Sign/flier notifies that the 4PM Burning Law is in effect and provides a brief description of the burning law (8.5 in. x 14 in.).

Viewfire-and-emergency-response4pm-burning-law fire-lawsdocument
4PM Burning Law in Effect and Burning Law in Brief Sign - Spanish
4PM Burning Law in Effect and Burning Law in Brief Sign – Spanish

Sign/flier notifies that the 4PM Burning Law is in effect and provides a brief description of the burning law (8.5 in. x 14 in.). Spanish

Viewfire-and-emergency-response4pm-burning-law fire-laws spanishdocument
4PM Burning Law in Effect Sign - Spanish
4PM Burning Law in Effect Sign – Spanish

Sign/flier notifies that the 4PM Burning Law is in effect (8.5 in. x 11 in.). Spanish

Viewfire-and-emergency-response4pm-burning-law fire-laws spanishdocument
A Guide for Prescribed Fire in Southern Forests
A Guide for Prescribed Fire in Southern ForestsViewfire-and-emergency-responseprescribed-burningpublication
A Guide to Mid-Atlantic Regional Air Quality
A Guide to Mid-Atlantic Regional Air QualityViewfire-and-emergency-responseprescribed-burningpublication
Application for Exemption to the 4PM Burning Law
Application for Exemption to the 4PM Burning Law4.07Viewfire-and-emergency-response4pm-burning-law burn-manager-tools prescribed-burningform
Become a Wildland Firefighter
Become a Wildland FirefighterP00149

Brochure provides information to help get started in becoming a wildland firefighter in Virginia. Firefighters must meet certain training, fitness, and service requirements.

Viewfire-and-emergency-response human-resourcescareers fire-department-resources wildfire-suppressionpublication
Beyond the Bonfire: A Primer on Prescribed Fire for Virginia's Landowners
Beyond the Bonfire: A Primer on Prescribed Fire for Virginia’s Landowners

Booklet educates landowners about prescribed fire. What are the laws regarding prescribed burning? How is a burn conducted? What tools are necessary to safely conduct a burn?

Viewfire-and-emergency-responseprescribed-burningpublication
Brush Piles for Wildlife
Brush Piles for WildlifeP00201

Brochure educates landowners about an excellent alternative to burning brush on his or her property, including where to build a brush pile, building a brush pile, and maintenance. Printed copies available.

Viewfire-and-emergency-response forest-managementburning landowner-resources wildfire-prevention wildlife wildlife-habitatpublication
Coloring Book for Smokey's Friends
Coloring Book for Smokey’s Friends

Coloring book teaches Smokey’s 5 rules of fire prevention for children.

Viewfire-and-emergency-responsekids-resources wildfire-preventionpublication
Community Wildfire Defense Grant At-Risk Communities Eligibility List
Community Wildfire Defense Grant At-Risk Communities Eligibility List

This Community Wildfire Defense Grant At-Risk Communities Eligibility List provides a comprehensive listing of all counties and communities that are eligible to apply for these grant funds.

Viewfinancial-assistance-fire-and-emergency-response fire-and-emergency-responsecommunity-wildfire-defense-grant cost-share-programs grant-programsresource
Community Wildfire Defense Grant Notice of Funding Opportunity Instructions
Community Wildfire Defense Grant Notice of Funding Opportunity Instructions

This document provides detailed instructions about the Community Wildfire Defense Grant including eligibility, application process, required matching funds, how proposals are ranked, reporting requirements, and more.

Viewfinancial-assistance-fire-and-emergency-response fire-and-emergency-responsecommunity-wildfire-defense-grant cost-share-programs grant-programsresource
Developing Wildlife-Friendly Pine Plantations
Developing Wildlife-Friendly Pine PlantationsViewfire-and-emergency-responseprescribed-burningpublication
DOF Part-Time Firefighter Pay and Qualification Matrix
DOF Part-Time Firefighter Pay and Qualification Matrix

Part-time firefighter pay level and qualification requirements for DOF part-time firefighters.

Viewfire-and-emergency-responsefirefighter-hiring firefighter-resources qualificationsdocument
Dry Fire Hydrant Grant Program Application
Dry Fire Hydrant Grant Program Application4.30Viewfinancial-assistance-fire-and-emergency-response fire-and-emergency-responsecost-share-programs dry-hydrant-program fire-department-resources grant-programsform
Dry Hydrant Manual
Dry Hydrant ManualR8-TP-19Viewfinancial-assistance-fire-and-emergency-response fire-and-emergency-responsecost-share-programs dry-hydrant-program dry-hydrants fire-department-resources grant-programspublication
Evidence Protection
Evidence ProtectionP00141

Brochure serves as a guide to first-response emergency personnel for protecting life and property, putting the fire out, and securing the scene; providing steps that should be taken at the time of dispatch, en-route, upon arrival, suppression, and securing the area. Printed copies available.

Viewfire-and-emergency-responsefire-department-resources firefighter-resources forestry-laws law-enforcement wildfire-suppressionpublication
Fighting Wildfire in Virginia
Fighting Wildfire in VirginiaP00148

Brochure provides a safety and logistical briefing to wildfire personnel fighting wildfire in Virginia, including DOF-provided meals, lodging, personnel/crew time, medical needs, nature’s hazards, and other guidelines for Virginia wildfires.

Viewfire-and-emergency-responsefire-department-resources firefighter-resources wildfire-suppressionpublication
Fire Adaptive Landscaping for Native Habitats and Wildlife in the Southern Coastal Plain
Fire Adaptive Landscaping for Native Habitats and Wildlife in the Southern Coastal Plain

Book was prepared by the Georgia Forestry Commission, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Coastal Wildscapes, and Firewise Communities to provide every resident and business owner has the opportunity to enhance wildlife habitat and natural ecological systems by maintaining, or where necessary, restoring connectivity to the surrounding forests and other natural communities through landscaping and gardening activities. They can also address the very important issues of water conservation and loss of habitat from invasive species by using native plants and avoiding exotic plants when deciding what to plant. We invite all coastal plain individuals and communities to emphasize creative solutions to protect native habitats and wildlife while connecting with nature and achieving Firewise principals. This publication was created to give everyday people and everyday businesses guidelines for landscaping with these goals in mind.

Viewfire-and-emergency-response urban-and-community-forestrycoastal-resiliancy community-forestry firewise firewise-landscaping homeowner-resources landowner-resources tree-plantingpublication
Fire Effects Guide
Fire Effects GuideNFES 2394Viewfire-and-emergency-responseburn-manager-tools fire-ecology prescribed-burningpublication
Firefighter Property Program Cooperative Equipment Possession Agreement
Firefighter Property Program Cooperative Equipment Possession Agreement4.29Viewfinancial-assistance-fire-and-emergency-response fire-and-emergency-responsefederal-firefighter-property fire-department-resourcesform
Firefighter Property Program Request for Federal Excess Property
Firefighter Property Program Request for Federal Excess Property4.24Viewfinancial-assistance-fire-and-emergency-response fire-and-emergency-responsefederal-firefighter-property fire-department-resourcesform
Firewise Communities for Virginia
Firewise Communities for VirginiaP00111

Brochure provides important steps to protecting your home and community from wildfire, including firewise landscaping, defensible space, fire-resistant roof and exterior construction, fire-resistant attachments, steps to becoming a firewise community, a disaster plan, defensible space, and emergency access. Printed copies available.

Viewfire-and-emergency-responsecommunity-resources firewise homeowner-resources landowner-resources wildfire-preventionpublication
Firewise Landscaping Part 1: Overview
Firewise Landscaping Part 1: OverviewViewfire-and-emergency-responsefirewise firewise-landscaping homeowner-resources landowner-resourcesvideo
Firewise Landscaping Part 2: Design and Installation
Firewise Landscaping Part 2: Design and InstallationViewfire-and-emergency-responsefirewise firewise-landscaping homeowner-resources landowner-resourcesvideo
Firewise Landscaping Part 3: Maintenance
Firewise Landscaping Part 3: MaintenanceViewfire-and-emergency-responsefirewise firewise-landscaping homeowner-resources landowner-resourcesvideo
Firewise Virginia Community Hazard Mitigation Grant Application
Firewise Virginia Community Hazard Mitigation Grant Application4.32Viewfinancial-assistance-fire-and-emergency-response fire-and-emergency-responsecommunity-resources cost-share-programs firewise firewise-virginia-community-hazard-mitigation-grant-program grant-programsform
Home Wildfire Safety Checklist - Is Your Home Firewise?
Home Wildfire Safety Checklist – Is Your Home Firewise?FT0002

Forestry topic information sheet provides a checklist of items to answer about your home to assist in identifying characteristics of your home that may require changes to improve the wildfire safety of your home.

Viewfire-and-emergency-responsefirewise forestry-topics homeowner-resources landowner-resources wildfire-preventionpublication
Incident Command System (ICS) Forms Package (zip file)

Zip files contains pdf forms of most commonly used ICS forms used in incident management and development of an incident action plan.

Viewfire-and-emergency-responsefirefighter-resources incident incident-managementform
Incident Qualification System (IQS) Data Collection
Incident Qualification System (IQS) Data Collection4.25Viewfire-and-emergency-responsefirefighter-hiring firefighter-resources qualificationsform
Incident Qualification System (IQS) Data Update
Incident Qualification System (IQS) Data Update4.26Viewfire-and-emergency-responsefirefighter-hiring firefighter-resources qualificationsform
Is Your Home Safe from a Wildfire
Is Your Home Safe from a WildfireViewfire-and-emergency-responsefirewise firewise-landscaping homeowner-resources landowner-resourcespublication
Mulch Fires
Mulch FiresP00130

Brochure provides insight into the serious threat of mulch fires and steps you can take to be aware of this fire safety hazard. Printed copies available.

Viewfire-and-emergency-responseburning landowner-resources wildfire-preventionpublication
Outdoor Fire Laws
Outdoor Fire LawsP00107

Brochure provides an overview, as well as detailed fire law information in the Commonwealth of Virginia, encouraging citizens to know the forest fire laws and local ordinances before burning, and safety tips for burning. Printed copies available.

Viewfire-and-emergency-response4pm-burning-law burning fire-department-resources fire-laws firefighter-resources forestry-laws landowner-resources wildfire-preventionpublication
Phragmites and Fire
Phragmites and FireP00109

Brochure describes just what phragmites is, why it is a serious threat, how to recognize the problem, and reducing the risk to your home and property.

Viewfire-and-emergency-responselandowner-resources wildfire-preventionpublication
Prescribed Burn Management Plan4.09Viewfire-and-emergency-responseburn-manager-tools prescribed-burningform
Prescribed Burning Services Agreement
Prescribed Burning Services Agreement4.10Viewfire-and-emergency-responseburn-manager-tools prescribed-burningform
Refining the Oak-Fire Hypothesis for Management of Oak-Dominated Forests of the Eastern United States
Refining the Oak-Fire Hypothesis for Management of Oak-Dominated Forests of the Eastern United StatesJAF 110(5)

For prescribed fires to be effective, they must positively influence oak regeneration at one or more critical life stages: pollination, flowering, seed set, germination, establishment, seedling development and release into the canopy.  The authors propose a refinement in our thinking to improve the match between management tools and objectives and provide some guidelines for thinking more ecologically about when and where to apply fire on the landscape to sustain oak-dominated forests. A very helpful key is provided on page 7 to help managers identify when fire will help managing the forest.

Viewfire-and-emergency-response forest-managementburn-manager-tools competition-control fire-ecology hardwood-management hardwood-silviculture intermediate-stand-treatments oak oak-decline prescribed-burning species-restorationpublication
Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification (Virginia Dept. of Accounts)
Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification (Virginia Dept. of Accounts)W-9Viewfinance financial-assistance-water-quality financial-assistance-fire-and-emergency-response financial-assistance-forest-management financial-assistance-urban-and-community-forestry financial-assistance-forest-health fire-and-emergency-response forest-health forest-management urban-and-community-forestry water-qualitycost-share-programs eabt-program firewise-virginia-community-hazard-mitigation-grant-program grant-programs hemlock-woolly-adelgid-treatment-cost-share-program lpfct-program lpr-program pct-program rt-program throwing-shade-va-program va-trees-for-clean-water-program volunteer-fire-assistance-grant-programform
Safe Debris Burning
Safe Debris BurningP00133

Brochure provides a fire safety alert to this common danger, including alternatives to burning, building a shelter for wildlife, burning responsibly, and safety tips. Printed copies available.

Viewfire-and-emergency-responseburning landowner-resources wildfire-preventionpublication
Services for Landowners
Services for LandownersP00112

Brochure provides information about the services available to landowners from the Virginia Department of Forestry, including forest management and forest health, timber harvesting and water quality, land conservation, tree seedling production, and resource protection. Printed copies available.

Viewfire-and-emergency-response forest-health forest-management forestland-conservation nurseries urban-and-community-forestry water-qualityagency-services conservation forest-health-impacts forest-planning land-planning landowner-assistance seedling-nurseries timber-harvesting water-quality-laws water-quality-protection wildfire-prevention wildfire-suppressionpublication
Smokey Bear Face Pumpkin Pattern
Smokey Bear Face Pumpkin Pattern

Pattern to be used in carving a Smokey Bear face on a pumpkin.

Viewfire-and-emergency-responsehalloween kids-resources smokey-bearpublication
Smokey Bear Halloween Coloring Sheet
Smokey Bear Halloween Coloring Sheet

Coloring sheet for Halloween with a fire prevention message.

Viewfire-and-emergency-responsehalloween kids-resources smokey-bearpublication
Smokey Bear Happy Holidays Coloring Sheet
Smokey Bear Happy Holidays Coloring Sheet

Coloring sheet with a happy holidays message.

Viewfire-and-emergency-responseholidays kids-resources smokey-bearpublication
Smokey Bear St. Patrick's Day Coloring Sheet
Smokey Bear St. Patrick’s Day Coloring Sheet

Coloring sheet with a happy St. Patrick’s Day message.

Viewfire-and-emergency-responseholidays kids-resources smokey-bearpublication
System Access Portal for Forestry Grants User Guide - Contract Signing
System Access Portal for Forestry Grants User Guide – Contract Signing

System Access Portal User Guide for application and administration of forestry grants. This guide assists with contract signing.

Viewfinance financial-assistance financial-assistance-fire-and-emergency-response financial-assistance-forest-management financial-assistance-urban-and-community-forestry fire-and-emergency-response forest-management urban-and-community-forestryforest-sustainability-fund system-access-portal-forestry-grants ucf-grant-program va-trees-for-clean-water-program volunteer-fire-assistance-grant-programuser-guide
System Access Portal for Forestry Grants User Guide - Registration User Guide
System Access Portal for Forestry Grants User Guide – Registration User Guide

System Access Portal User Guide for registering to use the grants system.

Viewfinancial-assistance-fire-and-emergency-response financial-assistance-urban-and-community-forestry financial-assistance fire-and-emergency-response urban-and-community-forestry financeforest-sustainability-fund system-access-portal-forestry-grants ucf-grant-program va-trees-for-clean-water-program volunteer-fire-assistance-grant-programuser-guide
System Access Portal for Forestry Grants User Guide - Requesting a Contract Amendment
System Access Portal for Forestry Grants User Guide – Requesting a Contract Amendment

System Access Portal User Guide for application and administration of forestry grants. This guide assists with requesting a contract amendment.

Viewfinance financial-assistance financial-assistance-fire-and-emergency-response financial-assistance-forest-management financial-assistance-urban-and-community-forestry fire-and-emergency-response forest-management urban-and-community-forestryforest-sustainability-fund system-access-portal-forestry-grants ucf-grant-program va-trees-for-clean-water-program volunteer-fire-assistance-grant-programuser-guide
System Access Portal for Forestry Grants User Guide - Volunteer Fire Assistance Grants
System Access Portal for Forestry Grants User Guide – Volunteer Fire Assistance Grants

System Access Portal User Guide for application and administration of Volunteer Fire Assistance Grants.

Viewfinancial-assistance-fire-and-emergency-response fire-and-emergency-responsesystem-access-portal-forestry-grants volunteer-fire-assistance-grant-programuser-guide
Virginia Department of Forestry Grants - Frequently Asked Questions
Virginia Department of Forestry Grants – Frequently Asked Questions

Document answers the most common questions asked about forestry grants, including application requirements, qualifying expenses, reimbursements and other how do I… questions.

Viewfinance financial-assistance-urban-and-community-forestry financial-assistance financial-assistance-fire-and-emergency-response urban-and-community-forestry fire-and-emergency-responsecommunity-wildfire-defense-grant dry-hydrant-program firewise-virginia-community-hazard-mitigation-grant-program system-access-portal-forestry-grants ucf-grant-program va-trees-for-clean-water-program volunteer-fire-assistance-programdocument
Virginia Reader
Virginia ReaderP00110

Newspaper-style publication provides fire safety and prevention information for youth, including fire and water, fire behaviour, the fire triangle, history of fire, fighting wildland fires, effects of fire on water quality, effects of fire on air quality, and a crossword puzzle to test what you learn.

Viewfire-and-emergency-responsekids-resources wildfire-preventionpublication
Virginia Smoke Management Guidelines
Virginia Smoke Management GuidelinesViewfire-and-emergency-responseburn-manager-tools prescribed-burningpublication
Virginia's 4PM Burning Law Amended for Orchard and Vineyard Growers
Virginia’s 4PM Burning Law Amended for Orchard and Vineyard Growers

Information sheet provides guidance regarding the 4PM burning law amended for orchard and vineyard growers allowing burning for freeze/frost protection.

Viewfire-and-emergency-response4pm-burning-law fire-department-resources forestry-laws wildfire-preventionpublication
Virginia's Forestry Laws
Virginia’s Forestry LawsP00002

Pocket guide provides detailed information about the forestry laws in Virginia, including general forestry laws, forest fire laws and penalties, certified prescribed burn manager laws, seed tree laws, riparian forest buffer tax credit laws, debris in streams laws and penalties, silvicultural water quality laws and penalties, and more. Printed copies available.

Viewfire-and-emergency-response4pm-burning-law fire-department-resources fire-laws firefighter-resources forestry-laws water-quality-lawspublication
Wildfire Smoke - A Guide for Public Health Officials and Factsheets
Wildfire Smoke – A Guide for Public Health Officials and Factsheets

This document, originally developed by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), is designed to help local public health officials prepare for smoke events, to take measures to protect the public when smoke is present, and communicate with the public about wildfire smoke and health.

Viewfire-and-emergency-responsefire-department-resources prescribed-burningpublication
Wildland Firefighter Safety Tips to Reduce Exposure to COVID-19
Wildland Firefighter Safety Tips to Reduce Exposure to COVID-19

Document provides guidance to wildland firefighters to reduce exposure and risk to COVID-19 when responding to fire emergencies.

Viewfire-and-emergency-response safetycovid-19document
Wildland Urban Interface Fire Protection Program Woodland Community Wildfire Hazard Assessment
Wildland Urban Interface Fire Protection Program Woodland Community Wildfire Hazard Assessment4.33Viewfire-and-emergency-responsewildfire-hazardform
Wildland Urban Interface Fire Protection Program Woodland Home/Structure Wildfire Hazard Assessment
Wildland Urban Interface Fire Protection Program Woodland Home/Structure Wildfire Hazard Assessment4.34Viewfire-and-emergency-responsewildfire-hazardform

Upcoming Wildland and Prescribed Fire Events