12/6/2013 11:12 AM
Jeremy,
I have done a lot of burning both on my course as well as for the local volunteer fire department.
A controlled burn can go wrong real fast but can be a lot of fun for the crew if it works right. We have a blast each fall burning our course with no help from local FD.
First thing you want to do is make sure you have lots of water to use in case. We use both large area sprayers and have 2 men with back pack sprayers for small spots. A shovel works well to smother also.
Anything you do not want to burn inside the larger burn area make sure to back burn around. A ten foot ring is usually sufficient to keep fire away. Start a fire at the base and let it work out from the tree, just spray the trunk so that area will not start.
Your best burns will come when burning into a light breeze. What works for us is to use the booms on the sprayer, drive slowly around the edge and lay down a "wet line" so the fire will not cross. We use a drip torch to start the fire in a line, that is what you will want to do. If it is dry enough a weed burner hooked to propane works or just a small torch.
Do not start on a big area that can get away from you. Start small and build some confidence. When you are done have a guy watch it for flare ups, maybe hose them down. If any wind is in the forecast just wait a while. Your courses rough may catch a bit but for us that is where the fire stops.
Any questions just ask either here or pm me. I have been on the local department 6 years and am now 2nd captain in charge of some of these burns. Good luck, take a photo or 2, post here.
PS:Be prepared to have you wife tell you, you stink after a day of burning. Great smell though!!