A prescribed burn is a carefully-controlled, low-intensity fire that is deliberately set for the purpose of creating appropriate conditions to regenerate a desired forest tree species. The fire consumes dried leaves, small twigs, grasses and other vegetation in the forest understorey, but does not harm larger trees in the overstorey. Prescribed burns are organised each spring and part of the City of Toronto’s long-term urban forestry management plan to restore and protect rare black oak (Quercus velutina) woodlands and savannahs. High Park is a notable location, being a remnant oak savannah in the middle of the city; it is vital for both biodiversity conservation and recreation. The images in this gallery are from the prescribed burn on 15 April 2015. This was the 17th annual prescribed burn in High Park and covered an area of 2.5 ha. The morning starts with a briefing to clarify health and safety issues, and to review the plan of action. We then follow the crew through all the steps of initiating and then controlling the prescribed burn. There are four follow-up images from 16 April 2015 that show the after-effects … a nicely-prepared ground that is free of vegetation, enriched with nutrients and a perfect habitat for acorns to take root. The amount of planning and public consultation involved in this endeavour is considerable, and a fine example of people working together for nature.

Photography: Digital. Equipment: Canon IXUS 70.

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Further information

• City of Toronto: Prescribed burn – here [external link]
• Forestry and Lands Consulting: Prescribed burning – here [external link]
• High Park Nature: Prescribed burns in High Park – here [external link]
• CBC: Why is High Park on fire? How Indigenous-led prescribed burns protect the land – here [external link]
• Ontario: Tree Atlas – black oak (Quercus velutina) – here [external link]

• Wilson, E. R. 2015. The High Park prescribed burn 2015: managing forest ecosystems in the City of Toronto. Online Lecture Presentation. 15 April 2015. URL: SlideShare

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