Firebreaks are natural or man-made breaks in fuels or vegetation that prevent fire from spreading. They are important for prescribed burns and wildfire assistance because they provide an opportunity to keep fire contained within a specific area.
Firebreaks are areas that are cleaned of fuels and reduced to mineral soil. They are created by using special equipment and hand tools to form trenches or harrows. GFC recommends firebreaks be two times the width of the expected height of the flames.
Plowing is scheduled on a first come, first-served basis and limited to 25 hours per landowner if other requests are pending. Once all requests have been serviced, additional plowing in excess of the 25 hours may be available.
Plowing & Harrowing Costs
- A minimum one hour fee is charged for plowing, harrowing, and/or blading services
- Over the minimal one hour charge, plowing will be charged in tenths per the hour meter on the tractor
All pre-suppression firebreak plowing will be completed in accordance with Forestry Best Management Practices. To schedule plowing services, contact your local GFC office.
Burn Permits and Notifications
Some outdoor burning requires a burn permit and/or notification. NOTE: Burning Permits are good only for the day they are issued.
LEARN MOREFor more information about obtaining burn permits, contact your local GFC office more information.
Tractor & Bulldozer Rates
Changes to the Tractor & Bulldozer rates go into effect on October 1, 2024.
Monitor Wildfire Conditions
The GFC Fire Weather System provides area fire weather forecasts. The state is divided into ten forecast areas to provide the most accurate local information.
View Fire Weather Forecasts