PSAs + Press Releases
Public service announcements (PSAs) are short educational audio or video messages that can be shared on the radio, TV, or internet. Written press releases are useful for notifying the media about upcoming prescribed burns. They can also be used to invite the media to prescribed fire field trips or other engagement opportunities.
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ress Releases & Media Advisories
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PSAs and Video Series
Put Fire to Work PSA Series
A PSA series focused on using prescribed fire to restore forest health in Washington. View YouTube playlist or download the MP4 files.Deschutes Collaborative Forest Project
A PSA series focused on practitioners and preparing for and conducting a prescribed fire. View YouTube playlist.Florida Forest Service
A series of short PSAs that deliver quick talking points for neighbors. View YouTube playlist.
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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.
Best Practices for PSAs + Press Releases
Use every interaction to educate. Whenever you are announcing burn projects, always make sure to include the benefits of good fire to local communities and landscapes.
Shape News Coverage. Augment these briefer PSAs and press releases with additional more in-depth media coverage. It’s an opportunity to tell a stronger story, and provide more context for the restorative power of prescribed fire. Work with your local media staff to shape and develop a story that is relevant to their readers and makes the key points that you want to convey.
Build relationships with local health and fire departments. Always send releases directly to these contacts and be sure to check in periodically to see what kind of additional information and support they might need to answer questions about prescribed burns in your area.