When it comes to managing land safely and sustainably, fire can be both a friend and a foe.

Stuartburn Prescribed Burn Association (SPBA) aims to help landowners use fire responsibly — protecting property, improving ecosystems, and reducing wildfire risk through careful planning and teamwork.

The association began just two years ago, when a few local landowners realized they couldn’t safely manage large burns on their own.

Controlled vs prescribed burn

Controlled Burn

According to Laura Reeves, vice president of SPBA, controlled fire is a more spontaneous action than a prescribed burn.

“You grab a shovel, take a match or your propane torch, you light it up, and you stand there and make sure it doesn’t get away,” Reeves explains.

Though it can be effective, this method carries a high

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