i dont know about the laws...but i can ensure you they do them. last week i was talking to a land manager for the PGC that does them yearly.

you are right. anything not faster than the flame is toast. thats why they like to get them early or late...but in PA we usually dont have the weather for it. unfourtanate when it does happen...sure snakes and all kinds of critters dont make it....but look at the other hand..without the fire succession would continue and that habitat would not be available for them period.

when done properly its rare that one gets out of hand. ever notice how the outsides of fields on gamelands is usually mowed and kept green? thats their "fire line" when they do their part in reading the wind, humidity and moisture it takes mother nature to make things go south....like a windstorm out of nowhere lol. i do know a professional that did a controlled burn that got away...boy oh boy i wouldnt wanna be in his shows...it was something very wierd..like the wind just went crazy, quick.

they are also semi prepared with tanks of water on the truck and everything...atleast the land manager i spoke to last week said that his crew is)

if you want to learn more contact the land manager for the area...i'd bet he'd be willing to talk to you about it.