Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
backburn
verb
ˈbakˌbərn
Definition
To set a controlled burn on the portion of an area where there is fuel to prevent the spread of fire to nearby areas.
Examples
- The firefighters decided to backburn to protect the nearby homes from the advancing fire.
- After assessing the fire’s path, the team initiated a backburn to reduce the fuel available for the flames.
- They practiced backburn techniques during their wildfire training exercises.
Meaning
Backburn is primarily used in firefighting to manage wildfires by burning fuel ahead of the blaze, creating a buffer zone.
Synonyms
- Controlled burn
- Prescribed burn
- Firebreak burn
