Brandon Van Buren, Richmond County ranger for the North Carolina Forest Service (NCFS), has received the 2025 State Forester’s Prescribed Burning Award. Van Buren started his career with NCFS as an assistant county ranger in Anson County in 2014 and has been serving 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 State Forester’s Prescribed Burning Award is given annually at the N.C. Prescribed Fire Council’s meeting to recognize an NCFS employee or team who demonstrates leadership and excellence in prescribed burning across North Carolina.
Prescribed fires are controlled burns set intentionally within specific areas to help improve wildlife habitat, reduce wildfire risk, and support healthier forests. This method is widely used throughout North Carolina as a cost-effective forest management practice. The award serves as recognition for those dedicated to increasing prescribed fire use across the state.
During the 2024-25 fiscal year, NCFS staff in Richmond County completed 24 prescribed burns covering a total of 735 acres. These operations benefited more than 20 private landowners by providing essential support for their land management efforts. Van Buren served as burn boss on 17 of these projects.
“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.
