The Wisconsin Prescribed Fire Council is actively working with the Wisconsin DNR to implement the Wisconsin Certified Burn Boss Program (CBBP). We expect that applications for certification will be accepted starting this June. Read on for the latest updates on this program and opportunities to get involved.
Certified Burn Bosses will receive a DNR-issued credential that attests that they are qualified to lead moderate-complexity burns in Wisconsin. The program’s target audience is prescribed burn leaders who burn multiple parcels in multiple locations within a year. Certification is not a requirement to lead burns in Wisconsin. The current WDNR permit system remains as-is for all prescribed burners whether they are certified or not.
Seeking Nominations for the Prescribed Fire Certification Board
The CBBP will be managed by an appointed Prescribed Fire Certification Board, which will be an advisory body to the Wisconsin DNR. Two of the five members will be recommended by the WPFC, along with two alternate members. Duties of Board members include:
- attend Board meetings 4-6 times per year
- review staff recommendations for certification
- review complaints against Certified Burn Bosses
- assess whether administrative or programmatic changes to the program are needed
This is a great opportunity for an experienced prescribed burner to help support burning statewide while gaining valuable cross-sector leadership experience in the Wisconsin prescribed fire community.
For more information, or to recommend yourself or someone else as a nominee, please contact certification@prescribedfire.org before Sunday, April 20. To submit a nomination, please provide a brief description of who you are nominating and why.
Supporting the Wisconsin Burn Boss Academy
Our first Burn Boss Academy is scheduled for September 22-26 at the Treehaven conference facility near Tomahawk, WI. This weeklong intensive course will give students the training required to become a Certified Burn Boss. We are seeking financial support to keep the cost to students at a reasonable level. A generous donor has offered to match any contributions we receive before May 15, up to $2500. Please consider a gift to help elevate the next generation of prescribed fire leaders.
If you’d like to support CBBP applicants as a Burn Boss Academy instructor or a burn season mentor, please contact certification@prescribedfire.org.
Legacy Burn Boss Application
For the first two years of the program, experienced burn bosses can apply for certification through the Legacy Application, which is a simplified process requiring no additional training. The WPFC encourages all experienced burn bosses to take advantage of this opportunity to certify your prior experience and training. For more details on the program and the Legacy Application, visit this webpage.
Watch for more information coming soon, including application details.
