MAS welcomes any volunteers able to join us for a prescribed burn at the Buffalo Speaks Reserve - Kolterman field site. Volunteers will be assigned to roles that are suitable to the individual. There are opportunities for folks to be on the burn crew, the road patrol, or to be spectators and photographers. No one needs to be closer to the burn than they feel comfortable with, it can be interesting to watch even from a good distance!
This is a particularly safe burn because the target area is narrow. The road itself is an excellent fire break and there is so little ground-level fuel to the east that the fire has no way to get away.
Pre-burn preparation will begin at 10 AM with possible ignition at 11 AM for the Kolterman effigy mound and petroform site along Highway Z.
Road Patrol Crew will facilitate traffic slowdown if there is a smoke issue reducing visibility for motorists. Wearing bright red, orange or yellow outerwear for those on road patrol can be a helpful addition to the flags and cones that will be used for traffic control.
Burn Crew & Mop-Up Crew should wear cotton or wool trousers w/no holes or frayed ends. Shoes or boots must fit and laces MUST be tied and properly-fitting trouser belts MUST be worn. ABSOLUTELY NO synthetic clothing.
Burn Boss instructions are commands, not recommendations, if you are not able to adhere to Burn Boss instructions you will be reassigned to road patrol. This is a necessary safety protocol for standard prescribed burn behavior. Matt Smith, a member of the State Prescribed Fire Council, will be burn boss (with Jim U. as an alternate).
Come prepared! Prescribed burning is thirsty work. Be sure to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. Hard garden rakes are the tool of choice and they make great poles to lean on. When you are standing along the road these rakes also signal to motorists that work is going on.
Spectators & Photographers this event may be a great photo opportunity! If you do not consider yourself nimble enough to be out walking, watching from your car is highly recommended and a good option for those who may tire from standing for a long time.
Even though ignition time is scheduled for 11AM there may be technical and preparation delays, fuel moisture, or relative humidity issues, that can push back our schedule.
Social distancing will be required and we will have a short pre-burn talk from Matt Smith on safety protocol.
Photo Credit: Joshua Lott