Controlled burns on the grasslands are carefully planned, prepared, and conducted by qualified personnel, who consider available support resources, seasonality, vegetation condition, and weather forecasts before ignition on any burn area. Although smoke may be visible on the burn days, specific burn units and potentially some access roads will be closed to allow for public safety. All controlled burns are coordinated with associated counties complying with any applicable local burn bans.

Extreme caution should be exercised when traveling around or through burned areas as there could be lingering smoke and hot areas in and around burn units for days after the burn.

The purpose of controlled burning on the grasslands is to keep natural fire in the ecosystem, thus reducing the quantity and density of hazardous fuels improving native vegetation conditions and habitat for wildlife, including deer and turkey. Controlled burning is accomplished in a matter that uses low-intensity fire to “clean out” the undergrowth that can hinder food supply for wildlife and cattle and reduce overall fuel load and the potential for disastrous wildfires.

For more information about the NFGT visit, www.fs.usda.gov/texas.