Economic comparison of aerial and ground ignition for rangeland prescribed fires

Abstract

Average ignition costs per ha for aerial and ground ignited prescribed burns in redberry juniper (Juniperus pinchotii)-mixed grass communities were compared to determine the feasibility of using aerial ignition on rangelands. Aerial ignition techniques had greater total costs than ground ignition because of higher fixed costs. However, if greater than 4,000 ha could be burned, as a single or multiple unit, aerial ignition costs are $1.36/ha less than estimated ground ignition costs.