U.S. Forest Service fire management specialists will be conducting controlled burns on the Caddo and Lyndon B. Johnson National Grasslands during the next few weeks.
With the opening of turkey hunting season in March, Fry added that is more important than ever that hunters be aware of their surroundings.
“We want the public to know what we’re doing when we conduct controlled burns,” he said. “These fires are conducted by experienced, qualified personnel who work as a team to ignite, monitor and ensure that the fire stays within the control lines.”
“Anytime there is a fire, there is going to be smoke associated with it,” he said. “When there are low-lying concentrations of drift smoke, visibility may be reduced. Also, for those who have respiratory problems, we recommend they close windows and ventilate their homes by using the air conditioning or heating system. Some may want to leave the area until the smoke clears.”
If drivers encounter smoke on the road, they should reduce their speed and use their low beam lights to become more visible to other traffic.
The Forest Service conducts controlled burning only when weather conditions are most favorable and fire personnel take into account weather conditions and fire behavior before conducting a burn. They work as team to monitor the burns and make sure the fire does not cross the lines.
“The bottom line is that smoke is a short term inconvenience that results in a long term gain by benefitting wildlife such as deer and turkey, and protecting homes and property from destructive wildfires,” he said.
For additional information, call Fry at 940-627-5475 in Decatur.
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