Kentucky Bluegrass Field Burner's Handbook

The Ten Commandments of Burning

1. Well ahead of burn day

ensure that you have any necessary permits from the municipality
if field is adjacent to a paved highway contact the transportation authority to determine if "SMOKE" signs are required
read the rest of these points and the accompanying "Kentucky Bluegrass Field Burner's Handbook"

2. Fireguards

prepare ahead of burn day
a 10-foot (3 m) strip of bare dirt or pre-burned stubble is the absolute minimum if beginning the main fire at the fireguard
a 100-foot (30 m) fireguard is necessary if the main fire is not started at the fireguard (the main fire will challenge the fireguard)

3. Burn day

phone the local municipal fire co-ordinator and the nearby fire departments to inform them of the burn
make a courtesy call to downwind neighbours

4. Wind

velocity must be between 3 and 8 mph (5-13 km/h) with direction to match fireguards

5. Tinder

swath crop as low to the ground as possible, spread straw evenly behind the combine and do not chop it
needs to be hot and dry or the fire will not accomplish the objective of a bare ground burn

6. Watch the weather

showers and fronts will cause wind gusts and wind reversals

7. Smoke dissipation window

wind 3 to 8 mph (5-13 km/h); clear or high cloud ceiling; between 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM; complete fire at least 4 hours prior to sunset use a small contained fire to test smoke dissipation

8. Proper crew, communications and fire fighting equipment

a well trained responsible crew with good communications and equipment is absolutely necessary
as the fire only takes a few hours, extra help with basic fire fighting equipment is a good idea (the Fire Boss directs all people within the fire area)

9. Water

at least 1,000 gallons (3,750 litres) needs to be available for fireguard preparation and field burning
2,000 gallons (7,500 litres) is recommended for a standard pivot (quarter section)

10. Monitor perimeters

150 feet (45 m) of the outside perimeter of the burn area must be "dead out"
ensure "smokers" are out; they may cause trouble irrigators should apply 0.75 inches (2 cm) of water after the burn

Introduction

The benefits of burning

eliminates or controls ergot, silver top, stem and leaf rust, smut, and other fungal diseases and insect pest eggs
reduces the need for herbicides and fungicides
increases the efficiency of any required fertilizers and herbicides by removing dead plant material which may interfere with their action
gives new tillers room to grow to adequate size for induction (plant changes from vegetative to reproductive)
healthy roots remain in the soil and the crop quickly regrows; burnt fields do not contribute to soil erosion
ash recycles potassium, phosphorus and other minerals back to the soil
destroys shattered crop seeds so that future seed purity is not affected
baling and removing grass straw requires more fuel, chemicals, tillage and labour, and decreases yields

Open field burning is a very useful and necessary tool for responsible husbandry of numerous perennial crops in Alberta. A practical mechanical substitute has not been found to replace field burning as a method of removing excess crop residue with its insect and plant disease populations. American research shows that seed yields of grass species, particularly irrigated Kentucky Bluegrass, is reduced by up to 50 per cent in the absence of post harvest burn after the second and third crops.

The principal objection to burning is that the released smoke can create a hazard on adjacent roads as well as being a public health or nuisance concern if the smoke invades a neighbouring community. The industry cannot afford to antagonize the public and jeopardize future burns. Fields in close proximity to highways, towns, neighbours, etc., will require more intense management. It is not sensible to have a highly controlled permitting system.

Climatic conditions necessary for a successful burn (temperature, humidity, condition of tinder, wind velocity and direction, and vertical smoke dispersal aptitude) occur in less than 50 per cent of the days, even in August. Flexibility in a permit system is required to allow a producer to quickly capitalize on favourable conditions.

Conducting a good field burn is probably the most challenging part of producing Kentucky Bluegrass. Farmers will co-operate by stopping all other field operations and concentrating on the burn in order to complete the open field burn when climatic conditions are ideal.

The following comments are observations made by producers during past burning operations and are meant to help farmers avoid repeating unnecessary mistakes. Many parts of this handbook are applicable to other forage seed crops that require burning.

Burn Conditions

Thunderstorm showers, approaching fronts, and whirlwinds
Field burners should take great care when thunderstorms, showers and weather fronts are approaching. Quite often strong, gusty winds with a different direction than the prevailing breeze, precede these storms (including showers that you can see through) by a distance of 5-10 miles (8-16 km), and can be quite deceptive. These gusts can sometimes be identified by the dust they carry.

Strong winds from a different direction can cause havoc if a fire is in progress. A constant weather watch is a major duty for the Fire Boss. The threat of whirlwinds crossing a burn and spreading the fire appears to be unfounded after years of experience. Anything is possible, but numerous dust devils have crossed fires with no harmful effects, and they should not deter you from an afternoon burn when all other conditions are favourable.

Wind velocity
Winds of less than 3 mph (5 km/h) tend to be very inconsistent in both velocity and direction and should be avoided. Winds greater than 7 or 8 mph (11-13 km/h) will challenge a fireguard, and the smoke stays on the ground for longer distances. If the fire were to escape the fireguard, serious damage could occur in a short time. Strong winds also carry the fire over the field too quickly for a good burn. Therefore, do not burn when winds are over 8 mph (13 km/h) (generally in Southern Alberta, less than 15 days in August will have the desirable wind velocity of 3-8 mph).

Only days that have winds of 3-8 mph (5-13 km/h) will produce relatively safe and effective burning conditions.

Wind direction
Once a fire is released, you are entirely dependent on the downwind fireguard containing the fire. This is because the smoke in the downwind side of the fire will not allow the fire crews into that area. If a fire has to be put out, it has to be done by working in a downwind manner. Producers have learned to prepare fireguards well and plan cropping patterns that utilize the fact that, in Southern Alberta, we have predominantly westerly winds.

Condition of tinder
Because of the presence of varying amounts of green leaves, it is generally very difficult to get the field stubble dry enough to burn. It is critical that crop aftermath or straw be used as tinder to carry the fire. It must be well spread and dry. Straw should not be chopped.

A mature field of bluegrass usually produces 2-3 tons per acre (1,800-2,700 kg/ac) of straw. This straw has some (medium quality at best) forage value, however, it is best utilized as tinder to help burn the 2-3 inch (5-8 cm) stubble that passes under the swather knife. An 18 or 20-foot swather can be used, but they usually have knife problems. A 12-15-foot swather with stubby guards has given good results because it cuts shorter and produces a swath that is shallow and dries more quickly than a narrow, deep swath.

It is very important to get even crop straw distribution to produce a uniform burn. Straw spreaders or canvas curtains work well. Avoid choppers as they cut the tinder into short lengths that fall through the stubble and onto the ground where they become damp and difficult to burn. Burn as soon as possible after combining. Wind and rain can drive the tinder into the stubble, blow it into piles, or cause the field to green up. Generally speaking, the hotter and drier the tinder and stubble are, the better it will burn. Be careful if you have very sandy and dry soil; the fire could penetrate the crowns and cause crop damage. This has happened in U.S. producing areas.

In low lying areas and river valleys dew usually develops during the night. Mornings can be used as a safe time to establish fireguards using a field burner or, if using a road as a fireguard, burning ditches. The best time for open field burning is during the hottest part of the day. The fields are driest then, breezes more prevalent, and smoke usually rises better. These conditions deteriorate rapidly as the sun goes down. Plan to have your fire completed 4 hours prior to sunset.

Conditions for smoke dissipation
Fortunately, conditions that are favourable for a good burn (high temperature, low humidity, dry tinder and stubble, 3-8 mph (5-13 km/h) winds, and between 1:00 and 6:00 P.M.), are also the same conditions that quickly dissipate smoke. Bright, sunny days with high, puffy cumulus clouds are preconditions for a desirable mushroom-shaped smoke plume. Overcast days with a low cloud ceiling seem to trap the smoke below the clouds. However, if the clouds are higher than 4,000 or 5,000 feet (1,200-1,500 m) good smoke dissipation is likely. If you are unsure, it is a good idea to light a test fire (a few old bales on a bare spot) to test the atmospheric conditions.

It is also possible for the field burner to create a heat plume that will quickly carry the smoke to a high altitude. This is accomplished by getting the fire divided into small sections and lit as quickly as possible (as in the Pivot Track Burning Method outlined later).

The presence of a good deal of wet or green material acts as a smudge creating lots of black smoke. When this occurs, it is even more vital that a time of good smoke lift be selected.Very few burning conditions occur that allow the smoke to lift up off the ground in less than 0.5 miles (800 m) downwind. If a neighbour is closer than 0.5 miles (800 m) east (downwind) of you, then you may have to wait for a breeze other than west and plan the fireguards accordingly. These are very uncommon, so you must plan on stopping other field operations in order to capitalize on them when they occur.

In situations where a field is located beside a paved public road or town, different approaches to field burning may be required. Baling the aftermath behind a combine can reduce the amount of combustible material from 2 or 3 tons per acre (1,800-2,700 kg/ac) to about 0.5 tons per acre (450 kg/ac). This will greatly reduce the amount of smoke produced. However, once baled the remaining stubble will only carry a fire under very hot and dry conditions and where there is no green regrowth. A satisfactory burn in this stubble usually requires two passes of a propane field burner. The added expense and less effective job of baling and field burning should be weighed against the possibility of a damage claim or stop order. You could be liable for an accident caused by your smoke.

Preparing for the Burn

The perfect burn
The objective of field burning is to eliminate above-ground organic matter in order to destroy plant diseases, spores, insects, weed seeds, recycle nutrients, and especially to remove dead straw and leaf material so that it does not interfere with the development of the new fall tillers. Yields of bluegrass are reduced by about 50 per cent without a good burn.

The ideal burn would reduce all the above-ground leaf and stem material to ashes. Stumps up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in height, with no debris at their base, are also acceptable. More material than this will begin to reduce next year's yield. If part of a field is left with 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) of stubble and debris on the ground because the crop straw (tinder) was baled and removed, this area will yield about 50 per cent of a well burned area. Even if the fire removes most of the straw and surface debris, future yields will be reduced about 25 per cent in areas where 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) of stubble remain.

Low areas containing green regrowth may need to be treated with a burner propane and/or mower. Compare the added mowing and burning costs to the expected additional seed production to decide if remedial burning is necessary.

The field burner travelling at 2-4 mph (3-6 km/h), operating at 40-50 psi (276-345 kPa), and burning about 100 gallons (375 litres) of propane per hour, will only penetrate and kill about 2 inches (5cm) of green plant material. Four to 5 days after burning the plant turns white and the field should be re-burned to destroy any remaining organic matter. Harrowing between burns can help subsequent flame penetrate. If the green regrowth material is taller than 3 or 4 inches (7-10 cm), it may be more economical to mow it to a height of 2 inches (5 cm) before burning (then only two burning operations will be required). A flail or rotary mower or a disc-bine will work for this operation.

Notification
The smoke produced from field burning is highly visible. It may cause people discomfort and is potentially hazardous to road traffic. Well in advance of burn day, contact your local municipality to find out what, if any, permission is required.

Neighbours close to your field deserve a courtesy call near burn day. This not only promotes the "good neighbour policy," but also reduces the likelihood of someone calling the local fire department when they see the smoke.

Burning fields adjacent to paved roads requires very special attention. Alberta Transportation and Utilities - if it is a primary road; or the municipal road authority - if it is a secondary or local road, should be contacted well ahead of burn day. When smoke dissipation is good, "smoke on highway" signs are likely all that is required. However, if visibility is expected to be very poor on the paved road, it may be necessary to stop or escort traffic through the smoke zone. In this extreme case professional flagmen may need to be employed by the producer. This should be done only after consulting the road authority. Special care should also be taken at any railway crossings in the smoke area.

If the field is adjacent to an airport, the airport operator should be advised and given a tentative burn schedule so that he can notify airport tenants. In addition, the Transport Canada Flight Service Station must be notified as to when and where burns will occur so that a NOTAM (notice to all airmen) can be issued. All Transport Canada stations can be reached at 1-800-377-4710.

Fireguards
The single most important part of any successful fire is the fireguard. Proper preparation of this usually takes more time and effort than the burn itself. Bare ground, either ploughed, cultivated or burned, and at least 10 feet (3 m) wide, is the safest. Other sources of a fireguard can be summerfallow, green crops, or even roads. In very sandy land, cultivated fireguards can result in wind erosion so burned fireguards can be useful. Using a 10-foot field burner section on a damp morning can be a safe tool for establishing fireguards. Extra help and fire equipment is necessary. Before burning, wet down the plant material on either side of the proposed fireguard, and follow behind the fire with the water wagon to mop up. Do 200-300 feet (60-90 m) sections to maintain control.

When starting the field burn, start the fire next to the guard working your way upwind to avoid smoke and increase the width of the fireguard. Do not challenge a 10-foot (3 m) fireguard by allowing a field burn to move downwind towards the guard. Work upwind from the guard with the fire. That way if the fire approaches the downwind guard, there will be an extra 50-100 feet burned off.

If starting the main fire some distance upwind of the fireguard, a 100-foot (30 m) fireguard is necessary. The main fire must not be permitted to challenge a 10-foot (3 m) fireguard.

If you need to stop a fire from moving upwind, or you want to burn only half of the field, a wheel or side delivery rake is a handy tool to remove a 10-foot (3 m) strip of tinder (straw) out of the way. The stubble fire will be much easier to put out with the water wagons in the absence of tinder. Make sure you are upwind of the fire for this operation.

Fire fighting equipment
The first and foremost responsibility of the Fire Boss is to ensure that no one's health will be endangered by the burn. Besides adjacent road travellers and neighbours, crew members must be considered. Getting lost inside the fire, smoke inhalation and a crew vehicle upset can be fatal. Propane burners need to be used with great care. Make sure the heat sensitive shut-off valve at the bottom of the tank is operating properly.

Several pieces of reliable equipment are necessary to conduct a safe fire:

Communication centre - The best communication centre is a good 4-wheel drive truck. Two-way radios are almost a necessity. Plans may need to be adjusted quickly if the wind shifts. Visual contact with the crews is not always possible. Access to telephone communication is also a good idea for emergencies.

Fire wagon - A tractor drawn tank-wagon or mounted tanks and a little imagination can make an effective fire wagon. Capacity should be at least 600 gallons (2,300 litres) (1,000 gallons is better). Weed sprayer equipment can do double duty here. A wand that produces a flat fan spray pattern can be made by flattening one end of the 3-foot (1 metre) section of a 0.75 inch (2 cm) pipe down to about 0.25 inches (.6 cm) wide and 1.5 inches (4 cm) long. Use 60-80 psi (415-550 kPa) and adjust the opening to allow a flow of 8-15 gallons per minute (30-55 litres/min). It is a good idea to be able to easily turn the wand on and off with either a switch or a PTO lever in order to conserve water.

Two-man fire wagons consist of a tractor and trailer. The man on the trailer platform uses a 1 inch (2.5 cm) diameter, 50-foot (15 m) hose. A tractor can perform as a one-man fire wagon. Side windows need to be removed and enough hose is needed to allow spraying from either side of the tractor.

If you have a strong bare ground fireguard, one of these wagons should be sufficient. If the fireguard is to be burned or if adjacent land is rough and inaccessible (e.g. river valley), two of these wagons should be used. A collection of hose clamps and a spare PTO chain should be kept handy for quick repairs. Be prepared for breakdowns.
Extra water - Usually about 2,000 gallons (7,500 litres) of water are needed to burn a standard pivot field, so you will need to provide a system to refill the fire wagon in about 10 minutes. A semi-trailer high-boy with 3 tanks and a 5 horse power transfer pump works well

Lighter/Burner - Eventually, there will need to be a field burner available for every 3-5 fields. Sharing amongst neighbours can keep costs down. Field burners are a handy tool for making fireguards, starting field fires and re-burning fields. The Oregon built, 30-foot Rears Field Burner is popular. This machine looks like an older anhydrous ammonia applicator. It consists of a 1,000 gallon tank and three 10-foot burner bar sections with each bar containing 25 weed burner-style burner torches.

Utilizing just one 10-foot section has proven to be an effective way to establish a field fireguard. Utilizing the entire length of the burner is an effective way to start the perimeter fire. Its main use is to apply propane firing to green fields that have had an unsatisfactory open field burn. A first year field that had a small crop (less than 0.5 tons per acre (450 kg/ac) of aftermath) can have the aftermath baled and the whole field propane burned. Good used burners are worth about $7,000 U.S.

It is also possible to light fires by holding a weed burner torch out of a pickup truck driver's window or by suspending two torches about 2 feet (60 cm) apart from the side or rear of a pickup. These methods are very dangerous and extreme caution should be used.

Shovels and fire brooms can be very useful for mop-up purposes and should be on hand for volunteers in the unlikely event that the fire escapes the fireguard.

Responsibilities of the crew members
In order for a field burn to proceed in an orderly fashion good communication with the entire crew is absolutely necessary. A division of responsibility is necessary and everyone must know their responsibilities.

Fire boss - The prime responsibility of the fire boss is safety, not only for the crew and neighbours, but particularly travellers on adjacent and nearby roads. The boss also needs to watch for changing weather conditions and deadlines to have the fire completed. In deteriorating weather conditions, they may need to push the crew along in order to get the fire over quickly. Two-way radio communication is almost a necessity to let the crew know of a change in plans.

Warn the local fire department of the time and location of the fire along with instructions not to come unless called by the farm family itself. Neighbours deserve a courtesy call. When the fire is complete it is also important to see that the outer 150-foot (45m) perimeter of the fire is free of smoking debris before the crew disperses.
Burner/lighter man - This crew member should be mechanical and know where they are in the field at all times. Once the Fire Boss decides the burn is a go, the Burner must light the entire field quickly. Close communication with the fire boss is essential.

Fire wagon crew - A good person on a well designed fire wagon that can spray out either side can control as much fire as 10 people on foot. When starting a fire beside an existing fireguard you want only one side of the burner fire to advance. The fire wagon follows about 100 feet (30m) behind the burner and extinguishes unwanted fire.

Extra help - Usually the burn time for a pivot field is 3 or 4 hours. It is a good idea to have extra help during this time. Have one or two mop-up teams patrol the edges of the fire, especially in areas not easily secured by the fire wagons. The Fire Boss must have control over extra volunteers. They should be kept to the fire perimeter and out of the way of equipment.

Burning Methods

Pivot burning procedure
There are several methods of conducting a pivot field burn, each of them useful under different circumstances. Take care to protect the pivot from fire.

Pivot track method - The pivot track method works best for nearly all conditions and is the preferred method in Alberta. Cut the field in half and move the pivot machine onto the upwind side. Use a rake to divide the field in half by moving the tinder (straw) out of the way.

To protect the pivot machine itself begin with the downwind half of the field (Figure 1). Start the fire against the downwind perimeter fireguard. Then move upwind to the outer tower track and straddle it with one wing of the burner. It works well for the burner to proceed at 5-6 mph (8-10 km/h). Move inwards to the next pivot track and light the fire in concentric semi-circles 120-180 feet (35-50 m) apart on the downwind half, ending at the pivot point. If the stubble is green, it can be helpful to run an additional pass midway between the pivot tracks, always working upwind.

To burn the upwind half of the field (Figure 2), move the pivot machine onto the burnt downwind area. First burn around the pivot point itself. It helps to do this when there is not very much smoke or heat in the immediate area. Once this is done, proceed to the nearest (closest to the pivot centre) upwind tower track. Move outwards to the next pivot track. Burn this half of the field outwards, ending with outer track.

Modified upwind - The modified upwind fire is very difficult and time consuming to conduct and very hard on equipment. A field burner is necessary. Cut the pivot field in half and have a perimeter fireguard in place. With the pivot on the upwind half, burn the downwind half first (Figure 3). Burner passes are made directly into the wind and then exactly downwind, 100-200 feet (30-60 m) apart from the last pass. The fire line is moving perpendicular to the wind and passes over the ground more slowly resulting in a hotter fire. This extra heat is usually only beneficial for a few of the most aggressive of the elite bluegrasses like Midnight or Asset. Once the downwind half is completed, move the pivot to the burnt half and proceed with the fire (Figure 4).

Non-pivot burning procedure
Perimeter fire - The perimeter fire is mainly used for dryland fields, small irrigated fields, and in the absence of a field burner when it is extremely dry. These fires are not conducive to creating a heat plume and may result in unburnt patches around field tracks or bare ground areas (Figure 5).

Fireguards are especially important in perimeter fires. If the main fire is to challenge the fireguard, complete a 100-foot (30m) fireguard before lighting the main fire. To provide this additional fireguard protection, back burn (into the wind) from the edge of the downwind fireguard before lighting the main fire. In case of wind change, the entire perimeter should have some fireguard protection.

Post Burning Requirements

Reviving the Bluegrass Field Under most conditions, irrigators should apply 0.75-1 inch of moisture immediately following a successful burn. This will ensure that smouldering tinder is extinguished. Water will also stick the ashes to the ground surface, reducing dust and adding more nutrients to the soil.

The main reason for irrigating is to slightly revive the dormant plants and to prevent killing extremely dry or crown-burnt plants. It is important not to trigger regrowth. The fall regrowth program should begin in the first week of September to avoid excessive top growth by the time of freeze up.

Other Considerations

Things to avoid
Although the industry is beginning to promote the environmental and economic benefits of raising Kentucky Bluegrass seed, the media may report negative experiences associated with the stubble burning practice. Here are some conditions that may lead to "bad press" for you and the industry:

Burning at night
Burning immediately upwind of a highway or residence without due care
Having an accident or injury associated with your burn
Continuing to burn as weather fronts and rain/thunder storms approach
Burning without all applicable permits
Burning when the wind is greater than 8 mph (13 km/h)
Burning a very green field
Burning without notifying the local fire department (or your neighbours)
Having the fire jump the fire guard and causing property or crop damage
Burning when permits have been suspended, there is a fire ban, or there is a Fire Control Order in effect for your area

Liability insurance
It is important that you have liability insurance and appropriate coverage. Ask your agent if the practice of burning grass stubble is covered by your policy and get the answer in writing. Similarly, ensure that your own property is also covered under your policy.

Comprehensive liability insurance provides protection against claims resulting from damage to the property of others. Generally, insurance would provide coverage if you are proven negligent in some aspect of the damaging fire. The damage could be to any property, such as your neighbour's crops, house, buildings, livestock or equipment. It will also cover you in the event of an unfortunate road accident.

Liability coverage is limited to the amount stated on your policy. Most farm policies have $1 million dollars of liability coverage. Depending on local conditions, you may want more coverage.

Penalties for non-compliance of burning regulations

1.	Where required, failure to have a Municipal Fire Permit may lead to a fine from the municipality. Contact your municipality well ahead of the burn day to get any necessary permits. Conditions attached to the Fire Permit must be followed. Municipalities receive authority to issue Fire Permits under the Soil Conservation Act, the Forest and Prairie Protection Act, and the Municipal Government Act.
2.	Smoke crossing paved highways is of particular concern. Under the Public Highways Development Act, if smoke is causing a traffic hazard a peace officer may have your fire extinguished at your expense. As well, under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act a person who causes impaired visibility on a highway or developed property may be subject to an Environmental Protection Order.
3.	Under the Public Health Act a person could be issued an Order from the Regional Health Authority for any "nuisance." "Nuisance" means any condition that is or might become injurious or dangerous to the public health.
4.	Generally, the person who lights the fire or the person who controls the property where the fire started is liable for any damages caused by the fire. The Courts would likely assign liability. A municipal government may recover any costs of extinguishing a fire from the owner or occupant of the land.

Protection from nuisance actions

Under the Agricultural Operation Practices Act, a farmer using "generally accepted practices" for similar agricultural operations is not liable to any person in an action in nuisance. The operation shall not be prevented from operating just because it causes or creates a nuisance. By following applicable local permit guidelines, provincial legislation and this handbook, an operator should be conforming with "generally accepted practice" for burning bluegrass stubble.

Kentucky Bluegrass Field Burning Committee

Name		Location
Jim Burton	Producer	Brooks
Brent Fletcher	Producer	Smoky Lake
Keith Gosling	Producer	Calgary
Arthur Jaques	Producer	Oyen
Ken Miller	Producer	Milk River
Henry Najda	Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development	Brooks
Bob Nelson	Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development	Lacombe
Mike Pearson	Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development	Edmonton
Dennis Thacker	Producer	Burdett
Jerry Thacker	Producer	Burdett

For more information about the content of this document, contact Calvin Yoder.
This document is maintained by Susan Haustein.
This information published to the web on June 26, 2001.
Last Reviewed/Revised on April 1, 2009.