Prescribed Fire Season Begins On National Forests In Mississippi

Prescribed Fire Season Begins On National Forests In Mississippi

Residents and passersby may see some smoke in the air beginning this month when the U.S. Forest Service starts its prescribed fire season to prevent wildfires and promote a healthy forest for plants and animals. “Our primary concern is for fire fighter and public safety,” said Danny Bryant, Fire Management Officer with the National Forests in Mississippi.

Prescribed fire, also known as controlled burning, refers to the controlled use of fire by a team of experts to safely reduce excessive amounts of grass and brush.  Prescribed fire helps reduce the catastrophic damage of wildfire on our lands and surrounding communities. 

“Prescribed fire plays an integral part in reducing fuels, improving all wildlife habitats, controlling competing vegetation, controlling disease and improving forage,” said Bryant.  Plants and animals native to pine habitats depend on natural fire cycles, which are mimicked through the use of prescribed fires to balance habitat and food sources.  Prescribed burning is also one of the most effective land management tools used in preventing the outbreak and spread of wildfires.

“Fire managers study variables such as temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, how smoke will disperse and rainfall patterns,”said Bryant.  

Prescribed fires are conducted by experienced, qualified firefighters who work as a team. Drivers and residents are reminded of the risk of smoke on the road during prescribed burns.  If smoky conditions develop, drivers should reduce their speed and use low beam lights to become more visible on the road.

  The National Forests in Mississippi are among those leading the nation in prescribed fire.