By Andi Anderson
Prescribed burning has long been an important conservation practice, and Indiana landowners now have stronger support to use this tool. By restoring native plants, controlling invasive species, and improving wildlife habitat, prescribed fire remains one of the most effective and affordable ways to manage land.
According to Jarred Brooke, Extension wildlife specialist at Purdue University, the ecological benefits are clear: “Prescribed fire helps control invasive species, improve wildlife habitat, and rejuvenate ecosystems that depend on periodic fire. It’s a practice rooted in both science and tradition.”
Brooke leads Purdue Extension’s “Learn-N-Burn” workshops, which give landowners and conservation professionals hands-on training in fire safety, planning, and timing. He also chairs the Indiana Prescribed Fire Council, which works to promote safe and effective burning practices statewide.
For years, landowners faced hurdles related to liability and insurance access. That changed with the passage of Indiana State Bill 1557, which took effect on July 1, 2025. The law defines prescribed burning, sets certification requirements, and provides legal protections for certified burn managers.
Under the new rules, a certified burn manager must be present during burns, and a burn plan is required. Certification is overseen by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and includes online coursework, in-person instruction, and live fire experience—often supported through Purdue’s training programs.
The legislation also encourages the creation of prescribed burn associations, allowing landowners to share expertise and resources. These groups, along with new fire service businesses, had previously struggled to obtain liability insurance. The law addresses this challenge by limiting liability to actual damages and preventing prescribed burns from being classified as nuisances under certain conditions.
With these protections in place, more Indiana landowners are expected to use prescribed fire to manage forestland and conservation acres. As Brooke notes, this legislation brings Indiana in line with neighboring states and expands opportunities for safe, effective land stewardship through fire.
Photo Credit: purdue-university
Categories: Indiana, Rural Lifestyle