ORIGINAL: buckhunter21
Can you describe how you did it? i.e. So it didn't get out of control, etc.
Well as you know, I did a small test burn the week before and it took off too quickly, so I had a fresh lesson in mind.
1. Contact the local FD to be certain that it is legal in your area.
2. Map out what you want to burn and judge the wind and weather. It is much wiser to do multiple small areas. Also avoid high winds or extremely dry conditions.
3. Make a good fire stop on the downwind side. You can rake or plow a dirt strip. Or you can do a series of very small burns (controlling them with water), that create a strip of blackened ground.
4. Move everything important (truck, tractor, tools) to the upwind side before burning.
5. Wear very sturdy, all natural fiber clothing, hats, leather gloves, masks and safety glasses. No nylon and keep cotton to a minimum.
6. Have plenty of rakes, water, hand sprayers, and damp towels/burlap bags on hand before starting.
7. Once everything is set, start your fire on the upwind side. As soon as it spreads, put out the fire that is advancing slowly into the wind. Do not ignore this side of the fire until you are certain it is out!
8. Follow the fire by remaining inside the burned area. Never put yourself in the unburned area with an advancing fire!
9. If it looks like it is getting away from you, get on it right away. Don't risk anything.
10. Once it reaches the fire stop start working the fire line to fully extinguish it. It may take many visits to the same hot spots. This is where your rakes come in very handy. One person rakes up the hot spot while another hits it with the hand pump.
11. Do not leave until you are 100% certain everything is out!
This is not a complete guide, just things off the top of my head.
