06/11/2026
Can ping‑pong balls help start prescribed burns? Yep — in a way. Firefighters drop tiny plastic spheres from helicopters or drones. They ignite seconds after landing, helping crews safely burn from the inside out. It’s one of the fastest tools for reducing hazardous fuels and protecting communities from wildfire.
The U.S. Forest Service - Allegheny National Forest recently completed a prescribed fire debuting the forest’s first use of aerial ignitions. Check out the full story at https://www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency/features/lighting-way-allegheny-national-forest.
Forest Service photo by Andrew Avitt
