Prescribed fire is widely recognized as one of the most effective and cost-efficient tools for reducing hazardous fuel loads, improving ecosystem health, enhancing wildlife habitat, controlling invasive species, and lowering the risk of catastrophic wildfire.
Despite its benefits, prescribed burning carries inherent liability risks. Concerns regarding potential property damage, escaped fires, and legal exposure can discourage practitioners from using fire as a management tool. The program helps address these concerns by providing a mechanism for liability protection while promoting responsible burning practices.
The Temporary Certified and Insured Prescribed Burn Manager Self-Insurance Pool, or the Texas Prescribed Burn Manager Insurance Program, was established in response to House Bill 2563 to provide liability protection for qualified Certified and Insured Prescribed Burn Managers (CIPBMs) conducting prescribed burns in Texas. The program supports the safe and effective use of prescribed fire as a land management and wildfire mitigation tool while reducing the financial risks associated with conducting prescribed burns. The program operates as a self-insurance pool administered by Texas A&M Forest Service.
Plan Summary
The Texas Prescribed Burn Manager Insurance Program provides liability coverage for approved CIPBMs conducting prescribed burns in Texas. Approved participants receive coverage for certain claims arising from covered prescribed burns, including third-party property damage, bodily injury, and smoke damage, subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions, and limits established by the program. The program also provides legal defense for covered claims. Coverage provided under the Plan is generally primary coverage, and the existence of other valid and collectible insurance on an excess or contingent basis does not reduce the Program’s obligations for covered losses.
Key coverage features include:
Up to $1 million in coverage per occurrence.
Up to $2 million in general aggregate coverage.
Legal defense for covered claims and lawsuits.
Coverage for approved prescribed burns conducted in Texas and reported to the program before ignition.
To participate, applicants must be a licensed Certified and Insured Prescribed Burn Manager as defined by Chapter 153 of the Texas Natural Resources Code, meet all program eligibility requirements, and be approved by Texas A&M Forest Service. Participation is subject to ongoing compliance with program requirements and payment of the annual participant contribution.
This self-insurance program is not a traditional insurance policy and is administered by Texas A&M Forest Service in accordance with state law and program requirements. Coverage is subject to all applicable terms, conditions, exclusions, deductibles, and limits outlined in the Program Plan and Member Handbook.
Ready to participate? Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed on a rolling basis. Eligible CIPBMs, as well as individuals seeking certification who qualify for provisional participation, can submit an online application.
Once approved as a program participant, you must complete the required online wildfire suppression course through AgriLife Learn. The course must be completed within 60 days of enrollment and renewed every two years to maintain eligibility. Training helps ensure participants remain up to date on wildfire suppression fundamentals, risk management practices, and program expectations.
Before conducting a prescribed burn, participants must submit an online burn notification and upload a burn plan and map of the proposed burn unit. This process helps document covered burns and ensures required information is available for program administration and record-keeping.
Following completion of a prescribed burn, participants are required to submit post-burn information within 72 hours. This reporting captures details such as acres burned, burn outcomes, and whether any wildfire response activities or losses occurred, helping the program track prescribed fire accomplishments across Texas.
If a burn-related incident occurs, participants should promptly submit an incident or claim report through the program’s online reporting system. Reporting is required for events that may involve property damage, financial loss, liability concerns, or other situations relevant to program oversight, even if they do not ultimately result in a formal claim.
Important Deadlines
Requirement
Deadline
Apply
Anytime
Complete training
Within 60 days of enrollment
Burn notifications
No earlier than 48 hours before ignition
Post-burn reporting
Within 72 hours of burn completion
Incident/claim reporting
Promptly upon becoming aware of an incident
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Temporary Certified and Insured Prescribed Burn Manager Self‑Insurance Pool?
The Temporary Certified and Insured Prescribed Burn Manager Self-Insurance Pool, or the Texas Prescribed Burn Manager Insurance Program, is a new program created in response to HB 2563 (89th Texas Legislature), which establishes a temporary self‑insurance pool to help provide liability coverage to eligible Certified and Insured Prescribed Burn Managers (CIPBMs) operating in Texas.
The program, administered by Texas A&M Forest Service, was established to promote the safe and responsible use of prescribed fire and helps reduce liability concerns that can otherwise limit the use of this important land management tool.
Why was this program created?
The Texas Legislature established the temporary self‑insurance pool to ensure access to liability coverage for Certified and Insured Prescribed Burn Managers when commercial insurance options have become limited or unavailable.
Is the program currently active?
The Texas Prescribed Burn Manager Insurance Program is accepting applications as of September 1, 2026.
Who can apply?
Participation is limited to individuals who meet the statutory requirements for Certified and Insured Prescribed Burn Manager status in Texas as outlined in Section 153.048 of the Natural Resources Code.
How do I apply to join the program?
Applications are submitted online. Applicants must complete the application process, provide required information, and pay the applicable annual participation fee.
When can I apply to the program?
Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed on a rolling basis. Eligible applicants may submit an application at any time. Once an application is received, it will be reviewed by the program administrator as part of the approval process.
I am applying for CIPBM certification through the Texas Department of Agriculture. Can I apply for coverage through this program while completing the certification process?
Yes. Individuals who are applying for designation as a Certified and Insured Prescribed Burn Manager (CIPBM) through the Texas Department of Agriculture and need confirmation of liability coverage for their certification application may apply to the Texas Prescribed Burn Manager Insurance Program and select “Provisional” as the CIPBM Type.
Texas A&M Forest Service will review the application and supporting documentation to determine eligibility for provisional participation. If approved, applicants will receive a memorandum stating that they have been conditionally approved for the program and that coverage will become effective only after:
The applicant receives final CIPBM certification from the Texas Department of Agriculture Prescribed Burning Board; and
All program eligibility requirements and participation requirements have been satisfied.
This memorandum may be included with the applicant’s CIPBM certification materials. However, applicants are not participants in the program and do not have coverage under the program until they have received final CIPBM certification and all enrollment requirements have been completed. Coverage cannot be provided prior to final CIPBM certification.
I’ve submitted my application. Does that mean I have coverage?
No. Submitting an application does not provide coverage or automatically enroll you in the program. Coverage begins only after your application has been reviewed and approved, all required documentation and fees have been received, and you have received written confirmation of enrollment in the program. Prescribed burns conducted before coverage is effective are not covered.
How long does it take to review my application?
Applications are reviewed as thoroughly and efficiently as possible. While review times may vary, applicants should allow up to four (4) weeks for the application review process. This timeframe allows Texas A&M Forest Service staff to verify eligibility, review submitted information, and request any additional documentation if needed.
For applicants who are currently licensed Certified and Insured Prescribed Burn Managers (CIPBMs), Texas A&M Forest Service is implementing an expedited review process. In most cases, licensed CIPBM applicants should be reviewed within one to two weeks, provided all required information has been submitted.
Submitting a complete and accurate application can help prevent delays. If additional information is needed, staff will contact the applicant directly.
What types of coverage will the program provide?
The program provides liability protection for covered occurrences, with limits of up to $1 million per occurrence and $2 million general aggregate during the annual coverage period, for prescribed burns conducted in accordance with Texas Natural Resources Code Chapter 153 and program requirements. Covered claims are subject to a $10,000 deductible per occurrence.
How much does participation cost?
Annual program fees range from $2,500 to $10,000, based on factors including the applicant’s experience and tenure as a Certified and Insured Prescribed Burn Manager (CIPBM), loss history, and the number of acres planned for prescribed burning during the program year.
Can I cancel my participation and receive a refund?
No. All participant contributions are fully earned upon receipt and are nonrefundable. Participants are encouraged to review program requirements, eligibility criteria, and coverage details before enrolling. If you have questions about the program, Texas A&M Forest Service staffare available to discuss the program and help you determine whether it is the right fit for your needs before you submit your application and payment.
How long does coverage last?
Coverage is effective for the annual program period of September 1 through August 31. Renewal opportunities are offered each summer for the following program year.
Coverage for newly approved participants begins on the date their application is approved and all required program fees have been paid. Fees are not prorated, as annual participation fees are determined through a risk-based evaluation that considers factors such as the applicant’s experience and tenure as a Certified and Insured Prescribed Burn Manager (CIPBM), loss history, and planned prescribed burn acreage for the program year.
Is training required?
Yes. Participants must complete the required online wildfire suppression course through AgriLife Learn within 60 days of enrollment in the program and repeat the course every two years to maintain eligibility. If a participant remains enrolled in the program, the course fee will be applied as a credit toward their annual program fee the following year.
What are my responsibilities as a participant?
Participants are expected to:
Maintain current Certified and Insured Prescribed Burn Manager (CIPBM) certification.
Complete required training.
Submit required burn notifications and reports.
Follow applicable laws and regulations.
Adhere to burn plans and safe burning practices.
Promptly report incidents.
Cooperate with program investigations and administrative processes.
Maintain current contact information.
What must I do before conducting a prescribed burn?
Before ignition, participants must submit an online burn notification and upload a burn plan and map of the planned burn area through the program reporting system.
If you are an approved program participant, select “Yes” when asked whether you are an insured burner under the Texas Prescribed Burn Manager Insurance Program.
Does Texas A&M Forest Service review or approve my burn plan?
No. Submission of a burn plan is a notification and documentation requirement only. Participants remain solely responsible for planning and conducting prescribed burns in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, certification requirements, and safe burning practices.
What if my burn is canceled or rescheduled?
If your prescribed burn is canceled or rescheduled, please complete the post-burn report and indicate that the burn was canceled or rescheduled. Use the Burn ID associated with the original burn notification when submitting the report. If the burn is rescheduled, a new burn notification must be submitted before ignition, and a new Burn ID will be generated for the rescheduled burn.
What do I need to do after a burn?
Participants must submit a post-burn report within 72 hours after completing the burn. The report documents information such as acres burned, burn outcomes, and whether any losses or wildfire response activities occurred.
After completing a prescribed burn, participants must submit a post-burn notification through the program’s online reporting form. To complete the form, you will need:
Your Program ID, which is provided after your application is approved and you are fully enrolled in the program.
Your Burn ID, which is provided after you submit a burn notification.
The reporting form will automatically validate your Program ID and Burn ID against program records before allowing submission.
Note: Submitting a post-burn notification is required for program reporting purposes and is not the same as reporting an incident or filing a claim. Incidents and claims must be reported separately in accordance with program requirements.
Participants should promptly report any burn-related incident that may involve property damage, liability concerns, financial loss, or other circumstances that could require program review. Timely reporting helps ensure proper documentation and program administration.
Will filing a claim automatically remove me from the program?
No. The purpose of the program is to provide protection when incidents occur. Participants are not removed solely because they report an incident or file a claim. The program evaluates overall compliance, risk management practices, and safety performance.
Is participation required for all CIPBMs?
No. Participation in the program is voluntary and subject to approval by Texas A&M Forest Service.
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