Wildfire and Prescribed Fire in Virginia

prescribed fire requires igniting grasslands/forests in a designed burn
Source: National Park Service, Wildland firefighter uses drip torch at Manassas National Battlefield Park

dry grass is converted into ash behind the flame front, but roots can survive
Source: National Park Service, Prescribed fire at Manassas National Battlefield Park

small fires recycle nutrients and reduce fuel loads
Source: National Park Service, Prescribed fire burns woody material

prescribed fire is used to deter tree growth and maintain open grasslands that preserve historic views at Manassas Battlefield
Source: National Park Service, Fire burns vegetation at Manassas National Battlefield Park

areas to be burned in a prescribed fire are isolated by firebreaks, with a team of firefighters to prevent escape to areas not planned to be burned
Source: National Park Service, Manassas prescribed fire November 20, 2019

firebreaks are established before prescribed fires are ignited
Source: National Park Service, Manassas prescribed fire November 20, 2019

The Vegetation of Virginia at the Time of European Discovery