Form a PBA | Minnesota Prescribed Burn Association

Form a Prescribed Burn Association

It all starts with a conversation

Forming a Prescribed Burn Association (PBA) starts with a few interested people talking about shared goals and the need to work together. If there’s interest, a small group steps up to organize an informational interest meeting where people learn what a PBA is, how it works, and what’s expected of members.

From there, the group defines its purpose, chooses a name, sets a coverage area, and develops basic structure like leadership roles, guidelines, and communication methods.

As the organization forms, members focus on training, safety, gathering equipment, and building relationships. Once prepared, the association begins conducting burns cooperatively, gaining experience, supporting one another, and growing into a strong community of fire practitioners.

We're here to help.

The Minnesota Prescribed Burn Association is committed to helping local landowners form their own Prescribed Burn Associations and support them throughout the process.

Roadmap to Forming a PBA

Step 1. Start the conversation

It begins with a simple idea: we could do more if we worked together.

A few interested landowners, neighbors, conservation professionals, or community members start talking about shared needs such as habitat improvement, invasive species control, or wildfire risk reduction. At this stage, it’s about interest, curiosity, and gauging community support.

If there’s enthusiasm, a small group helps to move things forward. This group organizes meetings, coordinates outreach, and serves as temporary leadership to promote the idea of a Prescribed Burn Association in the local area.

Step 2. Hold an Interest Meeting

Next, host a public meeting to bring interested parties and potential members together. At this meeting, participants learn:

What a Prescribed Burn Association is
How PBAs work and how members help each other
The benefits and responsibilities of membership
Basic expectations related to training, safety, and cooperation

This meeting helps to begin to build a community of fire-interested landowners and establish their shared goals. The meeting should end with a call to action, asking if any participants are interested in helping to continue the initiative.

Is there enough local interest and support to form a Prescribed Burn Association in your area?

Step 3. Formalize as needed

If there is enough interest and local leadership, the group can begin to form a Prescribed Burn Association. To what extent a PBA formalizes can vary according to the local needs. Some PBAs remain very informal while others choose a more structured approach.

To function effectively, most PBAs will need to shape an identity for the association and develop a basic organizational structure. This usually involves:

Establishing the geographic area that the PBA will cover and serve
Identifying leadership needs -- Ideally, a core group of 5-7 people will drive the association forward. Specific roles may vary by local need
Determining the preferred form of organization in which to operate
Discussing membership requirements and expectations
Assessing experience and training needs
Setting prescribed burn standards
Setting up a method of communication
Choosing a name for the PBA

Groups may benefit by formally organizing as a nonprofit corporation, including:

Personal liability protection for members, officers, and directors acting in good faith
Access to grants and/or donations
Legal standing in the community for contracting, banking, and other needs

Groups that want to more-formally organize may want to take additional steps, including:

Check that their association name is available with Minnesota Secretary of State
Appoint a Board of Directors
Adopt bylaws and/or member guidelines
Complete and submit Articles of Incorporation with the Minnesota Secretary of State as a nonprofit corporation
Obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) with the Internal Revenue Service
Open a local bank account

There is no single “right way” to form a Prescribed Burn Association. Each group reflects its local community, fire history, and legal landscape. What they all share is a willingness to work together to use prescribed fire responsibly.

Step 4. Burn together

With an organization in place, the next step is preparing members to burn and getting fire on the ground. Some tasks to consider at this stage might include:

Offering training opportunities
Pooling equipment that might be loaned or shared
Developing burn planning knowledge and experience
Building relationships with agencies, fire departments, and partners

The experience level and training needs of the group can vary considerably, so some groups may need to focus on training their members, while others might jump right into burning. Many Prescribed Burn Associations start with training workshops and small, low-risk burns to develop their skills and build confidence.

Once members are trained, organized, and prepared, the PBA can begin conducting fires as a cooperative effort. Members help each other plan, crew, and execute burns safely and effectively. Over time, the association grows stronger, more experienced, and more capable.

Step 5. Grow, adapt, and build capacity

A successful Prescribed Burn Association becomes more than a burn crew, it becomes a community of like-minded landowners and fire practitioners. The PBA will likely work on expanding training opportunities, improving access to equipment, strengthening partnerships, and mentoring new members in safely using prescribed fire. Over time, the association will evolve to meet local needs, support larger landscape goals, and build a healthy fire culture.

If you are ready to get involved, connect with neighbors, and help build a resilient future with fire, contact us.

We're here to help you.

Contact us

Minnesota Prescribed
Burn Association

info@minnesotapba.org

Minnesota Prescribed Burn Association