Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service launched a redesigned version of its online prescribed burn school.

The self-paced course provides landowners and land management professionals with a flexible way to learn how to safely and effectively use fire as a land management tool.

The course is 12 modules and is designed to be completed at the participant’s own pace. The estimated time to complete the course is about 24 hours.

Fire remains a critical component of maintaining healthy rangeland ecosystems, Dr. Morgan Treadwell, AgriLife Extension range specialist and professor, said.

“Fire is a critical component of a healthy, well-managed rangeland,” she said. “Through this course, you will learn directly from prescribed burn experts with an emphasis on fire behavior, employing the correct firing technique, equipment, safety and much more.”

The course explores fires’ role as an ecological tool and its impacts on plant communities and wildlife habitats.

Participants will learn how to evaluate fuel loads, assess weather conditions, understand topographic influences and mitigate smoke impacts.

The program also includes guidance on proper equipment use, safe firing techniques and applicable laws and regulations related to prescribed burning. The course also emphasizes practical application to help participants plan and evaluate prescribed burns across a range of environments.

The course cost is $300. Discounted registration is available for members of prescribed burn associations following verification.

Upon completion, participants will receive a certificate and become eligible to pursue the official exam and field component required to apply for certification as a Texas Department of Agriculture Certified and Insured Prescribed Burn Manager.

For more information or to register, visit tx.ag/PrescribedBurnSchool2026.