The primary purpose of the law is to reduce the liability associated with prescribed burning if the burner chooses to become certified and follows the requirements of the law.

Section 9-13-273(a) of the law states: "No property owner or his or her agent, conducting a prescribed burn in compliance with this article, shall be liable for damages or injury caused by fire or resulting smoke unless it is shown that the property owner or his or her agent failed to act within that degree of care required of others similarly situated.

Requirements of this Act

For protection under this Act, the following requirements must be met.

1.    The burn is to be accomplished only when at least one certified prescribed burn manger is supervising the burn or burns that are being conducted.
2.    A written prescription that meets certain requirements is prepared and  witnessed or notarized prior to conducting the burn.
3.    A burning permit is obtained from the Alabama Forestry Commission.
4.    It is conducted pursuant to state law and rules applicable to prescribed burning.

TRAINING

A training program has been established to meet the requirement of this Act.  The  program requires a Fire Behavior Course, which is done as a self study class, prior to the Burn Manager Training course. The Burn Manager course, covering 32 hours, will include discussion of fire behavior, burning methods, safety, planning, smoke screening and Alabama fire laws.

CERTIFICATION PROCESS

The Prescribed Burn Manager Certification will have a 5 year term, requiring renewal every five years. Each Certified Prescribed Burn Manager must, over that five year period, earn six (6) hours of continuing education on prescribed burning. Burners who do not meet this standard will have their certifications expire. There will be a three year transition period.

To become certified, submit an application for Prescribed Burning Certification along with proof of training and a non-refundable $50 application fee. To become recertified, submit a renewal application along with proof of continuing education accomplishment and a non-refundable $50 application fee. Send Applications to:

                                    Alabama Forest Commission
                                    Attn: Prescribed Burn Certification Program
                                    P O Box 302550
                                    Montgomery AL 36130-2550

Click here for more detailed information about Alabama's Prescribed Burn Certification Program, including a copy of the law and application form to get certified.

For more information contact Carolyn Fox