Burning the Prairie Grass

Prairie grass should be burned every year or at least every other year to keep the area free of weeds and trees.

The prairies of central North America are characterized by a nearly level to gently rolling topography. This is the type of terrain which provides a barrier free surface for the movement of fire.

In contrast, most prairie plants are deep rooted perennials that go dormant in the autumn and winter and leave only dead, extremely flammable tops exposed to fire.

The blackened field that is left looks barren. But that only lasts a short while. Soon green shoots appear and the grasses and forbs start their annual display.

The first year that we burned, we had some volunteer help. The burn started out all right. Fire was started on the edges. BUT a big wind came up and the fire jumped onto an area where we had just planted walnut trees.

We called for help and were all running with buckets of water but were unable to stop the blaze. Finally we called the rural volunteer fire department to come and help.

The fire department was able to stop the fire, but in doing so, the fire truck got stuck in the mud.We then had to call one of the local farmers to come with a big tractor and pull the fire truck out of the mud.

One of my granddaughters, who had come reluctantly to help said "Grandmother, this is the most exciting afternoon I have ever had!"

I replied "It may have been exciting, but don't expect me to re-create this occasion every time you visit!"

Now we burn yearly and have three men who come with water and four wheelers. They start the fire in many places all around the acreage. The fire burns up the hill to the center and meets the fire from the other side.Then there is no more prairie grass and the fire goes out.

The fire literally roars up the hill and makes a tremendous sound. It is very scary and I like to leave until it is all over.