Upon receipt of an application, the department shall inspect such land in company with the applicant to determine whether a permit shall be granted, shall prescribe the manner in which the site for the prescribed burning shall be prepared, and shall require such precautions to be taken by the applicant as may be considered reasonable to prevent damage to the property of others by reason of such burning. The precautions shall, if deemed necessary, include the advance preparation of firebreaks and the firefighting equipment and personnel desirable to conduct the prescribed burning.