Free Prescribed Fire Class for Select Applicants

Forest landowners in Mitchell, Grady, and Decatur Counties are eligible for a free prescribed fire certification class, April 17-18, 2019, in Moultrie, Georgia. Training will be held at Southern Regional Technical College from 8 AM – 5 PM. The no-charge offer is available to the first 15 applicants only, and registration must be completed by April 10.

Prescribed fire is fire applied in a knowledgeable manner to a specific land area under selected weather conditions. It is used to accomplish pre-determined, well-defined management objectives, such as reducing hazardous fuels, enhancing wildlife habitat, and preparing sites for reforestation. Topics covered in the certification class include fire behavior, fire weather, fire tactics, and other subjects related to prescribed burning.

There are three requirements for becoming a certified prescribed burner in Georgia, one of which is successful completion of the training session. In addition to the April 17-18 class in Moultrie, two additional sessions are scheduled for 2019. Completion of the two-day class and passing its final exam is one of three requirements for becoming a prescribed burner in Georgia. The others are: having two years of burning experience, and having been in charge of five prescribed burns (which may occur before or after the class).

Registered class participants will receive self-study materials provided by mail prior to the program, which will be led by Georgia Forestry Commission instructors who have extensive experience within a wide variety of fire management and natural resource roles. A grant secured by the Georgia Forestry Commission covers costs for the first 15 applicants. Space will be available for more than 15 students at the regular registration rate of $110.

To register, contact Cole Posey: cposey@southernregional.edu; 229-217-4257.
For more information about prescribed fire, its benefits, and services of the Georgia Forestry Commission, visit GaTrees.org.