Pennsylvania Prescribed Fire Council History
The Pennsylvania Prescribed Fire Council (PPFC) was established in 2007 as a collaborative effort to promote the safe and effective use of prescribed fire across the state. This public-private partnership includes a diverse array of stakeholders, such as state and federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, and academic institutions, all working together to advance fire science and land management practices in Pennsylvania.
Founding and Early Development
The PPFC emerged from a growing recognition of the ecological and safety benefits of prescribed fire, especially as Pennsylvania transitioned from a fire-exclusion policy to one that embraces fire as a land management tool. The Nature Conservancy, PA DCNR, PA Game Commission, and many other partners played a pivotal role in this shift.
Legislative Milestone: The Prescribed Burning Practices Act
A significant turning point came in 2009 with the enactment of the Prescribed Burning Practices Act (Act 17), which provided liability protections for trained professionals conducting prescribed burns. This legislation, passed with the support of the PPFC, was instrumental in encouraging both public agencies and private landowners to adopt prescribed fire as a management tool.
Training and Certification Programs
Recognizing the need for a skilled workforce, the PPFC developed the Certified Prescribed Burn Manager (CPBM) program. This program offers training and certification for individuals, including private landowners, to safely conduct prescribed burns. The initiative aims to expand the use of prescribed fire on private lands, where approximately 70% of Pennsylvania’s forests are located. The current CPBM program is limited to Lower Complexity burns, but changes to allow Moderate Complexity Burns may occur in the future.
Annual Meetings and Ongoing Collaboration
The PPFC hosts an annual meeting to facilitate knowledge exchange among fire professionals, researchers, and land managers. These gatherings provide opportunities to discuss emerging issues, share experiences, and strengthen the community of practice surrounding prescribed fire in Pennsylvania. In recent years these talks have been recorded and are now widely available on our YouTube channel.
Looking Forward
As of 2025, the PPFC continues to play a vital role in promoting prescribed fire as a tool for ecological restoration, invasive species management, and wildfire risk reduction. Through ongoing training, advocacy, and collaboration, the council aims to ensure that prescribed fire remains a safe and effective practice for land management in Pennsylvania.
