Brandon Van Buren, a ranger with the North Carolina Forest Service (NCFS) in Richmond County, has received the 2025 State Forester’s Prescribed Burning Award. Van Buren began his career with NCFS as an assistant county ranger in Anson County in 2014 and has served as Richmond County ranger since October 2021.
“As a newly qualified prescribed burn boss, Brandon has stepped up to meet the needs of Richmond County landowners,” said Keith Money, regional forester for NCFS Region 2. “Prescribed burning in the Sandhills region plays a vital role in wildfire risk reduction, habitat restoration and wildlife and timber management. The successful implementation of these burns represents significant planning, coordination and execution, especially given the county’s emergency response workload.”
The annual State Forester’s Prescribed Burning Award is presented at the N.C. Prescribed Fire Council’s meeting. It recognizes NCFS employees or teams who demonstrate leadership and excellence in prescribed burning within North Carolina forests.
Prescribed fires are intentionally set low-intensity fires managed within specific areas to achieve objectives like reducing wildfire risk, improving wildlife habitat, and promoting forest health. This method is commonly used throughout North Carolina as a cost-effective forest management tool.
During the 2024-2025 state fiscal year, staff from NCFS Richmond County conducted 24 prescribed burns covering 735 acres. These operations supported more than 20 private landowners with land management efforts. Of these burns, Van Buren acted as burn boss for 17.
“We’re proud of Brandon’s commitment and dedication to using prescribed fire to improve the health of North Carolina’s forests and its wildlife habitat while reducing wildfire risk throughout the surrounding community,” said NCFS Assistant Commissioner and State Forester Greg Hicks. “These accomplishments highlight Brandon’s diligence and devotion to upholding the mission and values of the N.C. Forest Service, and to the citizens of Richmond County.”
More information about prescribed fire benefits can be found at www.ncforestservice.gov/goodfire.
