How is the decision to have a prescribed burn made?
Many agencies are involved in the decision to stage a burn. From July to December, a meteorologist checks the weather. When optimal weather is forecast, other meteorologists will be involved. This weather team includes scientists from the Naval Postgraduate School, National Weather Service, Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District and California Air Resources Board. If the weather team agrees on a forecast, the Army will verify other key factors such as the availability of local fire resources and equipment such as helicopters. If it looks like weather, equipment and personnel are available, the Army fire chief gets ready for a prescribed burn by calling in equipment and personnel. At this point, people who have registered for the direct notification program will be alerted that a burn is imminent. The weather continues to be monitored. The equipment and personnel may be in place and standing by for one or more days – the fire chief will start the prescribed burn when a mete
