What is Controlled burn?
[[File:2005 APR 14 Grand Bay 2 Rx Sue Wilder 006 (5201811301).jpg|thumb|Using a drip torch to start a controlled burn (2005)]] A '''controlled burn''' (sometimes also called a '''prescribed fire''') is a [[fire]] that is started on purpose, and kept under control. It is done by people who are trained in controlling a fire, with the right equipment and the right weather conditions. It is done to help the [[environment]] or to make an area safer for people.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/c/controlled_burn.htm |title=Controlled burn |access-date=2015-04-23 |archive-date=2015-04-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150424061818/http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/c/controlled_burn.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> This is not the same as a '''[[practice fire]]''', where a firefighter crew might start a fire in a house or other building that is going to be destroyed. They use it for practice, to learn how to enter a burning house safely and how to put out a house fire. Controlled burns, on the other hand, are done outdoors in [[forest]]s or [[prairie]]s. ==Reasons== There are several reasons why a controlled burn may take place. In some areas, there may be too much dry wood and dead plants. If a fire started there that was not controlled (like [[arson]], an accident, or a [[lightning]] strike), that fire could become dangerous. So by having trained people there, and burning it carefully, then the fire won't be as hot and won't get out of control. Another reason is to help nature. Some plants need fire so their seeds can start to grow, some animals prefer to live in places that have been recently burned, and sometimes it helps to get rid of weeds. Also, the ash on the ground is a quick fertilizer and helps return [[nutrient]]s to the [[soil]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnr.state.mi.us/publications/pdfs/huntingwildlifehabitat/Landowners_Guide/Habitat_Mgmt/Grassland/Prescribed_Burning.htm|title=Landowner's Guide: Prescribed Burning|website=www.dnr.state.mi.us}}</ref> Some