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The concept of treating fire with fire is not new to this century.

With prescribed fires, you're going after a specific result and need the perfect weather and ground conditions that will give you the best results.

Chehaw does prescribed burns on a yearly rotation.

Ben Kirkland, the Natural Resources Manager, says that Chehaw "burns a good bit of acreage every single year. How much fuel there is and what kinds of plants and trees there are on the ground determines when and where to do the burning."

There is the potential for killing trees but with the correct intensity, the job can get done without destroying what shouldn't be destroyed.

There are many reasons to perform a prescribed burn.

Kirkland says that in Chehaw, "we are simply removing fuel and we are also reducing the habitat component that would attract snakes."

In order to burn in Georgia, you have to have a permit and can obtain one from the local State of Georgia Forestry Commission.

Once you light the match, you're responsible so if you aren't knowledgeable of what you are doing, get a professional to help you.

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