By Blake Jackson
When properly planned and supervised, fire can be an effective tool for managing land. Prescribed fires help improve habitat, control invasive species, and maintain healthy ecosystems, but they require careful preparation and on-site management to ensure safety.
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is offering a “Prescribed Burn Demonstration Field Day” from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Jan. 16, 2026, on private property in Phelps County. To participate, attendees must first complete an online portion of the workshop, which takes two to four hours to finish.
Participants will receive a certificate upon completion, which must be presented at the field day. The online course has a $25 fee, paid to a third-party provider. Registration is available at: https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/214352.
The demonstration burn will take place at 11887 County Road 3000 in Rolla. MDC Private Land Conservationist Luke Anderson will guide participants through the key aspects of conducting a safe burn, including equipment use, burn line installation, ignition procedures, and appropriate weather conditions. Attendees will gain hands-on experience in executing a controlled fire safely.
Participants should wear leather boots, leather gloves, cotton pants, a cotton long-sleeve shirt, and safety glasses. For more information, contact Anderson at Lucas.Anderson@mdc.mo.gov.
Photo Credit: pexels-islandhopper-x
Categories: Missouri, General