Prescribed burns

The Ouachita and Ozark-St. Francis National Forests will be conducting prescribed burns in Arkansas and Oklahoma for the next several months. The purposes of these burns are to reestablish fire’s natural role in the forest ecosystem, improve forest health, and reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfires.

“People living in and near the forests may notice smoke and an increase in Forest Service personnel and equipment near roads. If smoke is in the area, look for prescribed burn signs; keep lights on low beam and drive slow. Persons with smoke sensitivities should contact their nearest ranger district and ask to be notified of upcoming burns,” stated Glen Fortenberry, Fire Management Team Leader. “Public safety is always our primary concern. Prescribed burns are conducted when the conditions indicate that there will be minimal impact to the public. We work hard to mitigate significant smoke impacts into a community,” continued Fortenberry.

Many conditions must be met before a prescribed fire can be ignited. The day chosen must be a combination of the correct humidity, wind speed and direction, temperature, fuel moisture, and atmospheric conditions. Factoring in all these requirements limits the number of days in which a prescribed fire can take place.

“Fire is an essential force that has shaped ecosystems in the state,” said Ozark-St. Francis National Forests Supervisor Judi Henry. “Past experience and fire history research indicate that carefully planned prescribed fires serve as an effective tool in restoring forest health,” continued Henry.

Prescribed Burns

“Prescribed burning is not limited to dormant season burns (generally October through March). For the past several years, both the Ouachita and Ozark-St. Francis National Forests have been conducting growing season (late spring through summer) burns,” according to Fortenberry. “There are several advantages to growing season burns including: 1) restoring some fire-dependent plant communities; 2) removing some invasive species and promoting herbaceous understories leading to a ‘woodland’ or park-like condition similar to what research indicates the pre-settlement forest resembled; and 3) maintaining forest habitats that support unique bird and mammal populations such as the red-cockaded woodpecker and Indiana Bat,” continued Fortenberry.

The Ouachita and Ozark-St. Francis National Forests will notify local media outlets on days when prescribed fires are scheduled. Daily updates on prescribed fires across the forests can be found at www.fs.usda.gov/ouachita or by calling 1-888-243-1042.

“We are committed to keeping communities informed about prescribed fire activities and the benefits in maintaining the health of Arkansas’ and Oklahoma’s National Forests,” said Ouachita National Forest Supervisor Norm Wagoner.