Qualified prescribed burners are individuals who have completed the required training to conduct prescribed burns in Arkansas. Qualified prescribed burners develop prescribed burning prescriptions or plans prior to conducting the burn. Individuals interested in becoming a qualified prescribed burner must submit applications to the Arkansas Department of Agriculture which will be reviewed by the Arkansas Qualified Prescribed Burner Review Committee prior to qualification. Email qualified.burner@agriculture.arkansas.gov with questions.

In order to become a qualified prescribed burner in Arkansas, individuals must meet the following requirements:

• Attend the qualified prescribed burning training course provided by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture or the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
• Obtain a passing score on the qualified prescribed burning exam administered by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture or Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

Alternative qualification methods are dependent on committee review and include:

• Proof of qualification or approval by another jurisdiction
• Proof of National Wildfire Coordinating Group training
• Completion of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Learn to Burn I and II programs prior to the adoption of the Qualified Prescribed Burner Rule and completion of a supplemental training provided by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture or Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
• Completion of the Arkansas Prescribed Fire as a Management Tool workshop

To maintain qualification in Arkansas, qualified prescribed burners must be in charge on site of at least one prescribed burn and attend a refresher training every three years.