It depends upon the particular state and county in question. For example, some states have statutes that secure a property right for landowners to conduct prescribed fires. Contact your county Extension agent, local fire department, or state prescribed fire council for specific laws and regulations regarding prescribed fires in your area.
Am I liable if my prescribed fire escapes?
The liability issue of an escaped prescribed fire goes back to individual state laws, and each state is different. Several states have a prescribed burning act that protects prescribed burners from liability as long as they follow the guidelines of the law. Other states have strict liability laws which state that if the fire escapes, the person setting the fire is liable no matter what precautions were taken. Consult and understand your state laws and regulations before conducting a prescribed fire. Check with your state prescribed fire council for additional guidance or to learn about enacting a prescribed burning act as described above (Coalition of Prescribed Fire Councils).
What is the difference between a backfire, headfire, and flank fire?
A backfire is a fire that burns into the prevailing wind, it is typically slow moving with shorter flame heights and lower fire intensity. Headfires are fires that burn with the prevailing wind; they are the fastest moving fire type, with the longest flames and greatest intensity. Flank fires are fires that burn or spread parallel to the prevailing wind direction; their behavior is between that of a backfire and headfire.
What is a firebreak or fireguard?
This is some type of break or barrier on the boundary of the burn unit that aids in containing the fire. Firebreaks delineate the boundary of the burn unit, allow for vehicle access around the unit and reduce the intensity of the fire along the edge. Firebreaks can be mowed lines, bareground lines made by dozing, grading or discing, or natural barriers such as creeks, cultivated fields, vegetation changes or roads.