Emergence of and Learning Processes in a Civic Group Resuming Prescribed Burning in Norway

Abstract

Background: Coastal Norwegian heathlands have been regularly managed by burning for about 5000 years. This practice, supporting sustainable herbivore production, did, however, seize in the 1950s and was virtually absent for 60–70 years. Loss of biodiversity, increased fire hazard due to biomass accumulation and loss of visual landscape qualities recently propelled new interest in traditional landscape management. Loss of know-how makes this a dangerous activity. The present study focuses on the emergence and learning processes of a civic group established for resuming prescribed burning in Northern Rogaland in order to possibly assist similar initiatives elsewhere. Methods: Study of written information, interviews with core prescribed burners and participant observation have been undertaken. The topics at four annual prescribed burning seminars, arranged by the studied civic group, have been analyzed. Participant observation at civic group winter meetings, debriefing sessions and field work has also been undertaken. Results: Pioneers who, without guidance, resumed prescribed burning relied on experience gained as part-time firefighters and relations to farming, in particular sheep grazing. Building good relations with local fire brigades and support by local and regional environmental authorities (especially the local agricultural advisory office) enhanced the practice. Short weather window, assembling a big enough burner group on the working days, as well as possible liability issues were identified as challenges. They were self-taught through “learning by doing” and open to new technologies/artifacts, i.e., leaf blowers for fire control. Their use of artifacts, together with supporting the fire brigades during a wildfire, strengthened their group identity. A connection to academia improved the focus on safe and effective prescribed burning through deeper insight into the physical parameters that govern burning in the terrain. Conclusions: The study provides valuable insight into favorable preconditions and possible key personnel for resuming prescribed burning in other areas in Norway and elsewhere. Content and teaching methods for a possible future standardized prescribed heathland burning course are suggested.

Private security preparedness for disasters caused by fire

“…Certainly, it is important to point out that the respondents largely emphasize that they know the processes of burning and extinguishing, while on the other hand, it should be emphasized that their knowledge about it has not been tested, but it is a subjective assessment. Certainly, the obtained research results are in accordance with the previously conducted research (Istre et al, 2002;Kumar & Rao, 1995;Metallinou, 2020). At the same time, it was determined that the respondents were slightly more familiar with the method of extinguishing fires in relation to the knowledge of the combustion process.…”

Study of Heathland Succession, Prescribed Burning, and Future Perspectives at Kringsjå, Norway

“…Gradually, larger areas were managed by prescribed burning. Fire-agriculture peaked during the Viking age about 1000 years ago [10]. This praxis continued until the mid-20th century.…”

“…It is recognised that prescribed burning itself, especially when the heathland has been left unmanaged for several decades, may represent a fire risk, also at Kringsjå. In the regional context, learning processes for safe prescribed burning and requirements regarding cooperation with the local fire brigades are analysed by Metallinou [10].…”

“…Moreover, intensified climate change challenges the robustness of the natural environment and creates uncertainty. New scenarios for fire safety are emerging simultaneously with transforming Calluna dominated landscapes [10,60]. In turn, changing biodiversity is affected by intensified weather conditions (droughts and floods) [9,61,62].…”

“…Particularly, steep south facing slopes get covered by impenetrable juniper communities, which replace the Calluna due to limited access to nutrients and sunlight. Since dense juniper communities are extremely combustible [65], they represent a danger to the prescribed burners [10]. It is also hard work to cut and remove these stingy plants prior to burning.…”