backburning
backburning Lexical Profile
backburning Game Scores & Validity
• noun
Australian The practice or process of intentionally lighting a controlled fire ahead of an advancing wildfire or bushfire in order to consume combustible vegetation and halt the fire's progress.
"Firefighters conducted extensive backburning along the ridge overnight to protect the nearby rural townships."
• verb
Australian To intentionally set a controlled fire in the path of an approaching wildfire to clear combustible fuel and contain the blaze (present participle of backburn).
"Crews spent the afternoon backburning the dry scrubland before the wind changed direction."
Word Nuance & Usage
In firefighting terminology, 'backburning' strictly refers to setting a tactical fire along an inner control line ahead of an active wildfire to consume fuel in its path, whereas 'hazard reduction burning' (or 'prescribed burning') refers to preventative burns conducted during cooler months when no wildfire is active.
• Nearby Words
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.