Communicating with the public about prescribed burns helps citizens better understand the importance of these burns and keeps them informed about what is happening in their community. However, some people may have negative perceptions of prescribed burns which can make communication more difficult.
Factors that may lead to public concern about prescribed burns include:
- Lack of Understanding: Many people may not understand the benefits of prescribed burns and only see the potential for danger. They may associate all fires with destruction and harm, making it difficult to communicate the positive aspects of prescribed burns.
- Safety Concerns: People may fear that a prescribed burn could get out of control and threaten their homes or property. They may also have concerns about air quality and health impacts, especially those with respiratory conditions. Prescribed burns may cause temporary road closures or other inconveniences, which can lead to public frustration.
- Misinformation: There can be misinformation about prescribed burns, especially on social media. This can lead to confusion and resistance among the public. Social media is also crowded with messages and it can be hard for communication to break through the noise. Some individuals might not use social media and can be missed if messages are conveyed only through these channels.
- Aesthetic Concerns: Some people may object to prescribed burns because of the temporary “scorched” look of the landscape afterwards, not realizing that this is a normal part of the ecosystem’s cycle, and that regrowth will occur.
Additional barriers to communicating with the public may be related to scarce institutional resources. Prescribed burn communication can be strengthened from collaboration with other state and local government entities and non-profit organizations. This engagement takes time, and staff and departments may not be able to devote time to public engagement due to more pressing priorities. Lastly, communicating about prescribed burns can be challenging due to the inherent uncertainty of fire behavior.
There are several strategies stakeholders can take to overcome these barriers. These strategies involve a combination of education, transparency, and community engagement.
- 1. Public Education: Develop educational materials and programs to inform the public about the benefits of prescribed burns. This could include brochures, videos, web content, social media campaigns, or community workshops.
- 2. Clear Communication: Use clear, non-technical language when communicating about prescribed burns. Explain the process, the benefits, and the safety measures in place.
- 3. Community Engagement: Involve the community in planning and decision-making processes where possible. This could include public meetings, surveys, or feedback sessions.
- 4. Media Relations: Work with local media to disseminate accurate information and counteract misinformation. This could include press releases, interviews, or informational articles.
- 5. Partnerships: Partner with local schools, community groups, or environmental organizations to help spread the message and educate the public.
- 6. Visual Aids: Use before-and-after photos or diagrams to show the positive effects of prescribed burns on the landscape and ecosystem.
- 7. Address Concerns: Directly address common concerns and misconceptions about prescribed burns. This could include information about how burns are controlled, the temporary nature of the visual impact, and the measures taken to protect air quality.
- 8. Regular Updates: Provide regular updates before, during, and after the burn to keep the community informed and involved.
- 9. Training: Train staff in effective communication and public relations skills to ensure they can effectively engage with the community and address concerns.