 A prescribed fire is a fire set intentionally to achieve certain objectives such as fuel reduction, wildlife habitat enhancement, site preparation, or promotion of native vegetation. Choosing the correct ignition technique based on site characteristics and weather conditions helps land managers achieve their goals. Firing techniques are described by the direction they move in relation to the wind. Wind is described as the direction it is coming from. A north wind means that the wind is coming out of the north and moving towards the south. Fire moves in three ways, with the wind, against the wind, or at right angles to the wind. Variations in weather and topography affect a fire's spreading rate. Multiple firing techniques will often be combined in a single prescribed fire. The chosen ignition technique will depend on fuel characteristics, weather, smoke, sensitive areas, and available personnel. Fire lanes, also called fire lines or fire breaks, are strips of bare ground used to contain the spread of fire. Fire lanes should be present on all sides of prescribed burn areas and can be constructed using bulldozers, tractors, leaf blowers, or even rakes. Roads, train tracks, and bodies of water can also serve as fire lanes. A burn plan should be created before every prescribed burn. Burn plans include a description of the burn area, weather conditions, hazards, and personnel information.