FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 10, 2006
(Columbia, SC) Land managers who conduct outdoor burning can reduce their liability by becoming Certified Prescribed Fire Managers. Training sessions are scheduled for Columbia on October 18, Moncks Corner on November 14, and Georgetown on January 18. A Saturday session is also scheduled for Columbia on January 20.
Conducted by the Forestry Commission, the one-day course teaches how to plan prescribed burns that comply with state air quality regulations. The regulations, called Smoke Management Guidelines, are mandatory for all forestry, wildlife, and agriculture burning in South Carolina.
Forestry Commission Training Director Debbie Price emphasized that this is not a beginner’s course in prescribed burning. “This is advanced training in smoke management and associated legal issues,” she said.
Achieving certification provides burners with limited liability protection under state law. Requirements include passing a written test, documenting one’s burning experience, and agreeing to conduct all burning according to standards set forth in the SC Prescribed Fire Act.
To register for any session, contact Debbie Price, 803-896-8483. The cost of the course is $15; applications are processed on a first come-first served basis. The deadline for registration is three weeks prior to the course.
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