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PRESCRIBED BURN ASSOCIATION IN CALIFORNIA
Prescribed Burn Associations (PBAs) are community-based organizations that help landowners, volunteers, and local partners work together to safely use prescribed fire as a tool for reducing wildfire risk, improving forest health, restoring ecosystems, and building fire-adapted communities. Based on the traditional "barn-raising" model, PBAs create local capacity by bringing neighbors together to share knowledge, equipment, training, and labor to accomplish prescribed burning projects that may be difficult to complete individually.
ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Building a successful Prescribed Burn Association starts with creating a strong organizational foundation. We help communities establish the structure, leadership, and partnerships needed to support long-term growth and sustainability.
- Guidance on forming a local PBA
- Sample bylaws and governance documents
- Organizational planning assistance
- Volunteer recruitment strategies
- Partnership development support
- Access to statewide PBA resources
TRAINING & QUALIFICATIONS
A well-trained membership is critical to safe and effective prescribed fire operations. We help PBAs connect members with training opportunities, qualifications, and professional development resources.
- Access to prescribed fire training courses
- NWCG training pathway guidance
- Position Task Book support
- Incident Qualification Card (Red Card) assistance
- Leadership development opportunities
- Mentorship from experienced practitioners
PRESCRIBED FIRE IMPLEMENTATION
Moving from planning to implementation requires knowledge, resources, and qualified personnel. We provide support to help PBAs safely conduct prescribed fire projects in their communities.
- Burn planning guidance
- Connections to CARX Burn Bosses
- Equipment resource recommendations
- Operational best practices
- Risk management support
- Peer-to-peer learning opportunities
FUNDING & CAPACITY BUILDING
Long-term success depends on building local capacity and securing sustainable funding. We help PBAs identify opportunities that support growth, equipment acquisition, training, and community engagement.
- Grant and funding opportunity alerts
- Equipment acquisition guidance
- Scholarship opportunities
- Community outreach support
- Statewide networking opportunities
- Capacity-building technical assistance
