The use of prescribed fire as a management tool for wildlife habitat improvement has gained increasing attention in recent years. The Helitorch is an example of the new technology available to wildlife biologists for use in prescribed burning. This device offers greater mobility and effectiveness than traditional firing methods, plus fewer safety hazards associated with actual firing operations. It can be as cost effective as traditional methods, such as hand firing, when used over a large area. It does, however, have certain drawbacks and limitations, such as greater logistical problems and safety considerations associated with the heliport and mixing operations. When planning for a prescribed burn, the prescribed fire manager must assess the burn objectives, the physical and biological characteristics of the burn area, and the availability of funding and personnel in order to determine whether or not the Helitorch would be a useful tool.
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