Controlled Burning: A Carefully Orchestrated Approach
IT is the time of year when all around the Dale, we can see wisps and even plumes of smoke hanging
in the air.
This is part of the management of the moors high above us. When visitors are told that they are
entering an area of outstanding natural beauty that isn’t strictly true. The area is mostly man made
and mostly man-managed, including the hills, which are often spoil heaps and the moors.
In stark contrast to wildfires that are those which are accidental and out of control, controlled
burning is a carefully planned and executed land management technique used traditionally by
gamekeepers and moorland managers. This is not about letting fire rage; it’s about using it as a
precise tool under specific conditions.
The smoke from a controlled burn tells a very different story:
“Cool” and “Slow” Burns: Controlled burns are conducted when conditions are right, often
in winter, and are designed to be “cool” and “slow”. This means the fire burns at a lower
intensity and spreads gently across the vegetation.
Reducing Fuel Load: The primary goal of controlled burning is to reduce the build-up of dry
heather and other vegetation – the very fuel that wildfires thrive on. By creating a mosaic of
vegetation of different ages and heights, controlled burning breaks up the continuity of fuel,
making it harder for wildfires to spread.
Preserving Peat: Done correctly, controlled burning targets the top-most vegetation, leaving
the vulnerable carbon-rich peat soils largely untouched. This is a crucial difference from
wildfires, which can incinerate the peat layer.
Potentially Carbon Neutral: Because controlled burns primarily consume the shrub canopy,
they release carbon that was only recently absorbed as the plants grew. This process can be
carbon neutral, especially when it encourages the growth of mosses, which can lead to
greater carbon gains. Research even suggests that biochar produced by controlled burning
can be an effective way of locking up carbon in peatland soils.
Wildlife Can Escape: The slow pace and small scale of controlled burns allow wildlife ample
time to move out of the way, minimizing harm.
Mimicking Natural Processes: This approach shares similarities with the traditional land
management practices of indigenous people in fire-prone regions like Australia, who use
“cool” burns to manage their landscapes.
Endorsed by Fire Chiefs: Fire chiefs in Scotland and Wales have recognized and endorsed
controlled burning as a valuable tool in combating the threat of wildfires.
Smoke Signals: Key Differences at a Glance
To truly understand the distinction, let’s break down the key differences in the smoke from these
two types of fires:
Wildfire Smoke:
o Intense and Hot: Indicates combustion of large amounts of vegetation and
potentially deep peat.
o Heavy and Dark: Contains a high concentration of pollutants, carbon particles, and
potentially toxins.
o Long-Lasting: Can persist for weeks or months if peat layers are burning.
o Unpredictable: Driven by uncontrolled fire behaviour and weather conditions.
o Environmentally Damaging: Leads to significant carbon loss from peat and habitat
destruction.
o Health Threat: Poses serious risks to respiratory health and can lead to premature
deaths.
Controlled Burn Smoke:
o Cooler and Less Intense: Arises from a lower intensity burn targeting surface
vegetation.
o Lighter and More Transient: Smoke dissipates relatively quickly as the burn is small
and controlled.
o Short Duration: Limited to the period of the controlled burn.
o Predictable: Managed by experienced practitioners under specific weather
conditions.
o Potentially Carbon Neutral: Primarily releases carbon recently absorbed by
vegetation.
o Habitat Management Tool: Helps to create a mosaic of vegetation and reduce
wildfire risk.
Why Understanding the Smoke Matters
The debate around moorland management is often heated, with strong opinions on both sides.
However, understanding the fundamental differences between wildfire smoke and the smoke from
controlled burning is crucial for informed decision-making.
Restrictions on controlled burning, often driven by concerns about emissions, can inadvertently
increase the risk of far more damaging wildfires. When fuel loads build up, the inevitable fires will be
much larger, hotter, and will release significantly more carbon and pollutants into the atmosphere.
As wildfire experts have warned, the growth in fuel load on our moorlands means that future fires
could be beyond the capacity of our fire and rescue services to control. The consequences for
biodiversity, carbon storage, and even the safety of urban areas downwind could be severe.
Many argue that a pragmatic approach is needed, one that recognizes controlled burning as an
essential tool in a comprehensive wildfire mitigation strategy. This doesn’t mean uncontrolled
burning; it means skilled practitioners using fire judiciously to protect our moorlands from the far
greater threat of devastating wildfires.
Conclusion: Let’s Have an Informed Conversation
The smoke signals from our moorlands tell a complex story. While the thick, acrid smoke of a
wildfire spells destruction and danger, the lighter, more transient smoke from a controlled burn can
signify proactive management aimed at preventing a larger catastrophe.
By understanding these crucial differences, we can move beyond simplistic narratives and engage in
a more informed conversation about the best ways to protect our precious moorland landscapes for
future generations.
We need to equip land managers with the necessary tools, including controlled burning, to reduce
fuel loads and safeguard our environment and communities from the true menace of catastrophic
wildfires.
PUBLISHED WITH KIND PERMISSION OF THE MOORLAND ASSOCIATION
www.moorlandassociation.org
