Expect smoke: Richland County to conduct prescribed burns this week
Residents in southeast Richland County may notice smoke this week as the Richland County Conservation Commission conducts prescribed burns on conservation properties in the Old Bluff Road area.
The burns are scheduled from Thursday, March 26, through Friday, April 3. Weather could affect that schedule. The controlled burn operation will begin early in the day and end at sundown through the coming week.
Smoke may drift beyond conservation property boundaries, Richland County warned in a release about the controlled burns Thursday. The burns will be conducted under permits issued by the S.C. Forestry Commission and will follow safety and weather guidelines, the release also notes.
Prescribed burning is used to reduce wildfire risks by clearing overgrowth and other vegetation that can be fuel for small fires to grow larger. During a prescribed burn, trained forest managers set fire to targeted areas. The fires are small and “low-intensity” and are closely monitored, the release said.
“Prescribed burns play an important role in protecting local communities, infrastructure and natural resources,” the county’s release states.
Residents with questions or concerns can contact the Richland County Ombudsman’s Office at 803-929-6000.
