Kentucky Certified Burn Boss

Kentucky Certified Burn Boss (KCBB) certification allows controlled burn practitioners to conduct prescribed more frequently and effectivelly outside of the regulations set forth in KRS149.375 (fire ban seasons and burn windows). Please visit Kentucky's Outdoor Burning Laws for reference. Other certifications are recognized by the council and may qualify you as a KBB if you also meet the adiitional requirements listed below.

To hold Kentucky Certified Burn Boss certification status, you must meet one off the following standards (including additional requirements):

National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) RXB3 (prescribed fire burn boss type 3), RXB2 (prescribed fire burn boss Type 2) or RXB1 (prescribed fire burn boss type 1) qualification. Specifications for NWCG positions can be found in the Wildland Fire Qualification Systems Guide (PMS 310-1).
The Nature Conservancy’s Workshop on Ecological Burning (including course prerequisites).
KPFC Kentucky Certified Burn Boss Workshop (including course and experience prerequisites) and required post-workshop experience documented on the Apprentice Task Sheet.

Additional 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.

*All Kentucky Certified Burn Bosses must have an assigned Burn Boss ID #. If you qualify as a KCBB through other standards listed above, please provide documentation of qualifications to Kentucky Division of Forestry to be assigned your ID#.

KPFC Kentucky Certified Burn Boss Training

The Kentucky Prescribed Fire Council's mission is to promote understanding and enhance collaboration for the use of ecologically based prescribed fire in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. One way we seek to achieve this mission is through periodic trainings and workshops. We offer two main trainings: the 8-hour Landowner Course and the KCBB Certification. The KCBB training is a 2-day workshop that includes classroom-style lessons and non-fire field activities. Pre and post workshop experience requirements must be met to recieve your certification. You must meet eligibility and prerequisites standards to participate:

Kentucky Certified Burn Boss Workshop prerequisites and eligibility are:

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.
S-130 (with L-180) – Firefighter Training (NWCG)
S-190 – Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (NWCG)
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.

Post Workshop Experience Requirements:

Candidates must complete 3 apprentice burns under a mentoring KCBB (must meet the mentoring entity's physical fitness requirement). An Apprentice Burn is defined as a prescribed burn led by an Apprentice Burn Boss (ABB, described as those who have completed the workshop but not all the post workshop requirements) and conducted under the supervision of a qualified Kentucky Burn Boss. 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. Once post workshop experience requirements have been met, the ABB must submit the completed apprentice task sheet to the Kentucky Prescribed Fire Council Board for approval. Upon approval, you will be assigned your KBB ID # and card.
Certified KCBB Practitioners should follow the requirements and guidelines outlined in:
- KPFC Policy
- Voluntary Smoke Management Plan

*Interested in becomming a KCBB through the KPFC? Sign up to be on the mailing list where you will be notified of upcoming opportunities. KBB workshops are offered annual and on an as-need basis.

Photos taken by Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet.