How to Become a Certified Kentucky Burn Boss (KBB) KBB Certification allows controlled burn practitioners to conduct prescribed more frequently and effectivelly outside of state mandated burn windows. Please visit Kentucky's Outdoor Burning Laws for reference. Individuals must meet the following requirements to apply for this certification. Kentucky Certified Burn Boss Requirements: • Must be 18 years of age or older. • Must not have been convicted of violation from Kentucky Division of Forestry within the previous three (3) years. • Adhere to KRS 149.175 • Shall not conduct a prescribed burn during a burn ban or red flag warning. • Shall have proof of certification on person while burning. • Shall record prescribed burns into Kentucky’s prescribed fire portal. Once you meet the requirements listed above you must then meet the following standards.
Kentucky Certified Burn Boss must meet one off the following standards • NWCG RXB3 (prescribed fire burn boss type 3), RXB2 (prescribed fire burn boss Type 2) or RXB1 (prescribed fire burn boss type 1) qualification. NWCG refers to National Wildfire Coordinating Group. NWCG develops federal wildland fire management standards. Specifications for NWCG positions can be found in the Wildland Fire Qualification Systems Guide (PMS 310-1) document located here https://www.nwcg.gov/publications/310-1 . • The Nature Conservancy’s Workshop on Ecological Burning (including course prerequisites) • Kentucky Certified Burn Boss Workshop (including course and experience prerequisites) and required post-workshop experience documented on the Apprentice Task Sheet.
Kentucky Certified Burn Boss Workshop prerequisites are: • S-130 (with L-180) – Firefighter Training • S-190 – Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior • I-100 or ICS-100 – Introduction to the Incident Command System • Participation on 5 prescribed burns or wildfires. Proof of experience must be documents on an affidavit. Following the completion of the Kentucky Certified Burn Boss Workshop, candidates must complete the following post workshop experience requirements.
Post Workshop Experience Requirements: Candidates must apprentice to become a qualified burn boss on 3 burns (must meet mentoring entities physical fitness requirement). An Apprentice Burn is defined as a prescribed burn conducted under the supervision of a qualified Kentucky Burn Boss by an ABB who has completed the Kentucky Certified Burn Boss Workshop. To qualify as an apprentice burn you must perform at least 7 out of the 10 tasks from the Apprentice Task Sheet. Your Burn Boss will review and sign off on your tasks. Current NWCG qualified Burn Bosses meet requirements for Kentucky’s Certified Burn Boss program. However, all Burn Bosses must have an assigned Burn Boss ID #. This number can be assigned by providing documentation of qualifications to Kentucky Division of Forestry. The Certified Kentucky Burn Boss Workshop is offered annual. Check the calendar posted at www.kyfire.org for dates. Once post workshop experience requirement have been met, Apprentice Burn Boss must submit the completed apprentice task sheet to the Kentucky Prescribed Fire Council Board for approval.