Prescribed Fire Practice Test

Crown scorch is the major problem in summer prescribed burns because the heat and radiant energy from fire can damage the upper parts of trees when the canopy is full and fuels are dry. In hot, dry summer conditions, flames and radiant heat readily reach the crowns, injuring or killing needles, buds, and fine branches. This not only weakens or kills individual trees but can alter stand structure and future growth, which can undermine burn objectives like habitat quality or regeneration. Cooler seasons lessen crown scorch risk because the canopy is often less exposed (leaves are absent or moisture is higher, reducing fire intensity and radiant transfer). To reduce crown scorch, burn plans emphasize managing flame height, spacing fuels, choosing favorable weather windows, and having suppression resources ready to limit heat exposure to trees.