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Course Outline

The firing technique will influence smoke production. A backing fire will generally reduce emissions threefold compared to a head fire. Because a backing fire moves slower, it burns more complete and allows airflow to supply more oxygen. This results in a more efficient flaming phase with less smoke and more complete combustion. The time and amount of fuel consumed in the smoldering stage is reduced.

A picture showing a grass fire backing into the wind.

Courtesy of Bruce Palmer

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