The Southern Fire Exchange recently released a new publication: “Recent Research on Perceived Risks, Legal Liabilities, and Insurance Coverage Associated with Prescribed Burning on Private Lands.” Written by Rajan Parajuli, Jennifer E. Fawcett, and Laurel Kays, of North Carolina State University.
This publication addresses many concerns landowners might have surrounding liabilities of prescribed fire on their property. While it does have a southeastern focus, many of the principals can be applied nationally.
Summary
Four recently published studies highlighted the roles of Prescribed Burn Associations (PBAs) in addressing landowners’ perceived concerns on risks and legal liabilities, and in promoting insurance coverage associated with prescribed burning. Some of the other highlighted points in these articles include:
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Liability and perception of risk continues to be a major impediment to private landowners in applying prescribed fire.
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A number of factors influence perception of risk and associated likelihood to purchase insurance coverage, including land ownership and land management objectives.
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For private landowners, attitudes and other cognitive factors are more likely than demographics to influence the decision to purchase prescribed burning insurance coverage.
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Strategies to increase the use prescribed burning on private lands include:
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Educate landowners about the actual level of risk and liability involved in prescribed fire, and clearly differentiate between the risks of applying prescribed fire and wildfire risks.
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Modify state liability laws to minimize legal liabilities and/or modify language to reduce landowner concerns.
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Expand PBA memberships throughout the region.
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Parajuli, R., Fawcett, J. E., and L. Kays. Recent Research on Perceived Risks, Legal Liabilities, and Insurance Coverage Associated with Prescribed Burning on Private Lands. SFE Fact Sheet 2020-2.
Image Credit: Tyler Gilbert, Forest Stewards Guild. Ft. Union Landowner Training Rx, New Mexico, 2019.