ODF release – Salem, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry’s Certified Burn Manager (CBM) Program is now accepting applications for both burn managers and qualified training providers. The overall purpose of the program is to reduce barriers to prescribed fire in Oregon and protect certified burn managers and landowners from civil liability. The program, created by Senate Bill 762 (2021), increases capacity for prescribed burns on non-federal, ODF-protected lands through leadership training and a certification program. Through the certification program, individuals seeking to become burn managers learn how to properly plan and oversee a prescribed burn. When a landowner or community within an ODF protection district uses a certified burn manager, and follows the required burn plan, it protects both from civil liability. The certified burn manager can manage a burn anywhere within ODF protection, whether on their own property or that of other landowners. A potential burn manager does not need to be a landowner to become certified. Expanding access to safely conducted prescribed burns benefits Oregonians by maintaining healthy forests and reducing risks to public safety. Reintroducing periodic fire to fire-adapted landscapes reduces the potential for high-intensity wildfires along with the huge volume of smoke they produce. ODF is seeking applications from individuals interested in becoming certified burn managers and training providers with experience creating and delivering wildland fire training to deliver content based upon a detailed certified burn manager instructor guide and final exam provided by ODF. Apply online at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/prescribed-fire.aspx.
