Prescribed burning is a management tool widely used by foresters, parks departments, range and wildlife managers, ranchers, and other landowners to manage excessive natural fuels under very specific and safe conditions. Many states across the United States have a large percentage of public land, making statewide coordinated prescribed burn plans feasible. However, 98 percent of Texas’ land is privately held, which makes having a statewide plan more difficult. In Texas, better utilization of prescribed burning as a management tool requires state, local and landowner collaboration to ensure we are managing our resources in a way that will actually reduce wildfires, rejuvenate wildlife habitat, provide control of invasive brush, and improve watersheds.

The Prescribed Burning Board (PBB) regulates certified and insured prescribed burn managers who work to control vegetative fuels that can contribute to wildfires. Certified and insured prescribed burn managers help to manage, maintain and restore valuable ecosystems in Texas.

Please see the modules below for information about the Board, the Prescribed Burn Program, and resources for prescribed burning.