[Image: Sugarcane burning at harvesting]Q: What is a prescribed burn?
A: A prescribed burn is the controlled application of fire in a confined predetermined area to accomplish the harvest of sugarcane under specified smoke management guidelines.
Q: What is a Certified Prescribed Burn Manager (CPBM)?
A: An individual who successfully completes (1) an LDAF-approved certification training program, (2) passes a written test, (3) has performed five sugarcane burns successfully and (4) is certified by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF).
Q: Is the Certified Prescribed Burn Manager program voluntary?
A: Yes, according to the Law (LA R.S. 3:17), the commissioner of agriculture and forestry shall adopt and promulgate voluntary rules and regulations.
Q: Why become a Certified Prescribed Burn Manager and follow the Louisiana Smoke Management Guidelines for Sugarcane Harvesting?
A: Farmers have to burn. Because of low sugar prices worldwide, the sugarcane farmers could not stay in business without burning to cut down on their production costs. The CPBM program is a voluntary program. If farmers do not follow these rules and guidelines, it could be necessary to establish regulations. Farmers want to avoid more regulations.
Q: Are Certified Prescribed Burn Managers protected by Louisiana law?
A: Yes, pursuant to the Law (LA R.S. 3:17), if the prescribed burn is conducted according to the Louisiana Smoke Management Guidelines for Sugarcane Harvesting by a CPBM who is on site from ignition until the burn is complete and declared safe. The Law states: No property owner...agent or employee, conducting a prescribed burn pursuant to the rules and regulations promulgated by LDAF...shall be liable for damage, injury, or loss caused by fire, resulting smoke or other consequence of the prescribed burn, unless negligence is proven.
Q: Does anyone have to be on site while the sugarcane or field trash is burning?
A: Yes, the Law states that a prescribed burn can be conducted only when at least one certified prescribed burn manager is present on site from ignition until the burn is complete and declared safe.
Q: What is considered as “being on site during a burn”?
A: When the CPBM has visual contact with the burning field from ignition until the burn is complete and declared safe.
Q: Is night burning allowed in a prescribed burn?
A: Only under special circumstances and with utmost caution as to the current night weather and possible obstruction of roadways and highways from resulting smoke and ash.
Q: Who administers and grades the test?
A: LDAF will administer the test (70% passing) and a letter of certification will be mailed after the test has been graded. The test is an open book test consisting of simple multiple choice questions that demonstrate your understanding of the material presented in the training.
Q: If I fail the test, then what?
A: Make-up training and testing will be made available at some time during the year. This will allow someone who has failed the test to be able to retake it.
Q: Will a CPBM have to be recertified?
A: Yes, a CPBM will have to be recertified every five (5) years. Also, there is no cost for certification and/or recertification.
Q: Can a prescribed burn manager’s certification be revoked?
A: Yes, the commissioner of LDAF can revoke or suspend certification for not following the smoke management guidelines.
Q: What will be required of a CPBM before a sugarcane field is burned?
A: All CPBMs will be required to (1) fill out a prescribed burn plan, (2) review the fire weather forecast for that day and (3) follow the voluntary Louisiana Smoke Management Guidelines for Sugarcane Harvesting. A copy of the smoke management guidelines and other important information will be distributed and explained during a CPBM training program.
Q: How can I obtain current fire weather information and smoke category day?
A: Each sugar factory and CPBM can obtain the fire weather forecast and smoke category day each day during harvest season from the Internet. The forecasts are transmitted on the Internet by the National Weather Service from three forecasting offices between 7 and 8:30 each morning.
The Internet address is: LOSC (Ag & Fire Weather)
Prescribed Burning Law - La R.S. 3:17
A. The commissioner of agriculture and forestry shall adopt and promulgate
voluntary rules and regulations.
B. “Certified prescribed burn manager” is an individual who successfully completes certification program and is certified by the LDAF.
C. Prescribed burning as authorized by the commissioner shall:
1. Be conducted only under written authority by LDAF
2. Be conducted only when at least one certified prescribed burn manager is present on site from ignition until the burn is complete and declared safe.
3. Be considered a property right of the property owner...when conducted pursuant to the requirements of the Section.
D. No property owner...agent or employee, conducting a prescribed burn pursuant to the rules and regulations promulgated...shall be liable for damage, injury, or loss caused by fire, resulting smoke or other consequence of the prescribed burn, unless negligence is proven.
Certified Prescribed Burn Manager Rule
A. Written Authority: Consists of prescribed burn certificate issued by LDAF.
B. Completion of Prescribed Burn: ...shall be completed and declared safe when certified prescribed burn manager who has been present on site from ignition finds:
1. Process safely accomplished;
2. Safely contained and;
3. The smoke is acting consistent with weather forecast and burn plan.
C. Certification Prerequisites and Training: LDAF shall offer workshops for certification. Shall include an affidavit from applicant that:
1. The applicant has participated in a minimum of five (5) burns.
2. The applicant has completed an approved training.
D. Certification Procedures: The LDAF shall issue a prescribed burning certificate when the applicant has:
1. Met all prerequisites on training and experience.
2. Completed an application.
3. Attended a certification workshop.
4. Scored a passing grade on an approved (LDAF) certification test.
E. Voluntary Smoke Management Guidelines: The guidelines are contained in Louisiana Smoke Management Guidelines for Sugarcane Harvesting.
F. Suspension and Revocation of Prescribed Burning Certificate: The commissioner may suspend or revoke for cause.