Fire is often perceived as a destructive force, evoking images of power and harm. Many hold this understandable belief that fire, with its destructive nature, can only bring damage to the prairies and forests it engulfs. However, for the grasslands and prairies of the Midwest, fire is an integral part of their natural rhythm—a phenomenon that fosters life within these ecosystems, allowing them to flourish.
If you’ve ever caught a sight, or perhaps a whiff, of smoke drifting on the breeze within the Arboretum, chances are you’re witnessing a prescribed burn—an intentional and controlled fire set to manage the landscape.
Where there’s a prescribed burn, however, there must be those who manage it. Enter the Fire Crew: a team of trained volunteers and student workers dedicated to executing and overseeing prescribed fire plans.
Picture a typical day on a prescribed burn through the eyes of a fire crew member. It’s the 5th of April, and the air is thick with anticipation as the team meticulously checks weather conditions—temperature, wind speed, and humidity must align just right. Today, about 11 volunteers gather to tackle three small units earmarked for burning.
They start by prepping the site, carefully raking away dry debris and removing anything they don’t want consumed by the flames. Nancy Braker, the Arboretum Director, takes charge, notifying the fire department of their plans. As they gear up, a valuable lesson is reinforced: no wind can be just as treacherous as strong gusts due to its unpredictable nature. With safety in mind, ATVs are positioned strategically in ditches to wet down utility poles.
The crew divides into teams, with one volunteer keeping watch on the ever-changing weather. Once the groundwork is laid for a safe burn, the crew finalize their game plan. With tools in hand, they ignite the fire, spraying water to control its path.
With careful coordination, the volunteers steer the fire, always keeping a watchful eye on the ever-shifting winds. In the end, it’s not just about burning—it’s about working together to ensure safety and success.
Fire Crew volunteers willingly step forward, drawn by a variety of motivations. For one volunteer named Pat, a volunteer master naturalist deeply invested in environmental conservation in Minnesota, the call to action was clear. Seeking to continue her contributions post-retirement, she found purpose in joining Carleton’s prescribed burn program. Alongside her, other volunteers like Patrick find themselves captivated by the profound lessons fire imparts. “Fire’s always teaching you something,” Patrick reflects, ” after each burn, you learn something new” In the flicker of the blaze, it seems as though these volunteers find not only a means to nurture nature but also opportunities to learn and grow, forging their own unique connections with the land.
If you are interested in delving deeper into the history of fire and explore opportunities to volunteer with the fire crew, visit the Fire Management page on the Cowling Arboretum’s website.
Add a comment