Not sure where to start, or need more context? These seven case studies from landscapes throughout the West lay the groundwork for engaging communities in prescribed fire and smoke.
More Resources
Put Fire to Work is an essential, non-exhaustive, and ever-evolving toolkit for prescribed fire outreach. Please get in touch and tell us how it’s working for you. And you have a great resource (or example, or case study) we should know about, don’t be shy!
Additional Tools
Mapping
“Most agencies use ESRI proprietary software, while others, especially smaller capacity organizations, may not have a subscription or technical capabilities. To enhance collaboration, I recommend open source software.
QGIS is an excellent alternative to ESRI and allows mostly seamless integration of ESRI shapefile data. Free mapping platforms can be used to present geospatial data on the web for free. SarTOPO, MapBox, CartoDB offer integration of GPX and Shapefile information.”
— Rose Shriner
Tapash Sustainable Forest Collaborative Project Manager
Kittitas Fire Adapted Communities Coalition Coordinator
Alerts
Push or text alerts can be utilized to quickly get information out about where and when burning is occurring. These systems may not be accessible to everyone, but for those that have access to them, consistent use of these systems in coordination with other types of wildfire or smoke alerts can create a large user base. Alerts can be sent out through texts or phone lines, online through websites and social media, and through email lists. For an example, check out Ashland Forest Resiliency Stewardship Project alerts.
Signage
Utilize educational and informative signage at burn sites that are accessible to the public. This provides opportunities for building understanding about the effects of prescribed fire and fire’s role in the landscape. See these examples of signage from Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge.