Prescribed burn today at Entergy Park

Based on a plan created by The Nature Conservancy in December 2010, the Hot Springs Fire Department and Equilibrium will complete a small prescribed burn at Entergy Park tomorrow, Wednesday, March 20, beginning at approximately 1 p.m. and lasting until approximately 4 p.m.  Entergy Park is located at 530 Lakepark Drive, off of Carpenter Dam Road.

Tomorrow’s weather forecast includes wind levels and temperatures that allow for a slow, calm burn that will create little smoke and cause minimal inconvenience to park-goers and community members.

Entergy Corporation, Hot Springs Park and Recreation and Equilibrium have recently implemented conservation efforts at Entergy Park.  Efforts are guided by a ten-year management plan to control invasive species.  Prescribed burning is a component of the management plan and will help control invasive types of vegetation, which are usually detrimental to the health of native habitats. Careful burning also keeps the park grounds free of dead debris buildup, and allows for greater sunlight to the reach the forest floor. The many walkers, hikers, bikers, and boaters to the area are accustomed to this neat and natural area, which the Hot Springs Parks and Recreation Department hopes to maintain with this project.

“We are excited to begin this initiative as part of our continued effort to offer this area as a truly memorable recreational site. Entergy Park’s natural trail system and lake views are enjoyed daily by visitors from Hot Springs and all over the state. A small burn will be slightly inconvenient for the day – but very beneficial to us all in the long term,” said Jean Wallace, Hot Springs Parks and Recreation Director. 

Equilibrium, a nonprofit organization that specializes in invasive species management among other environmental causes for Arkansas ecosystems has created fire breaks along each perimeter of the park. Special emphasis is being placed on the north and west boundaries of the park, as these areas are the closest proximity to nearby homes. Hot Springs Fire Department plans to assist with the prescribed burn and will foam and/or wet down benches, observational decks, and structures that are not intended to burn. Additionally, engines will be positioned in front of homes within visibility of the burn. The park will be closed during the burn.

Retired Garland County AFC Forester Dennis Sharp will coordinate with Equilibrium on the prescribed burn. Having burned all over Arkansas for a number of years, Sharp has surrounding homeowners’ top-of-mind. When weather conditions are just right, the prescribed burn will begin, with hopes of being finished by 4 p.m. It is intended for weather conditions to allow the transport of smoke high into the atmosphere to avoid road crossings and neighboring homes.

So - look soon for a bit of smoke to rise from the Entergy Park area, but expect it to dissipate just as quickly. All firefighters and Hot Springs officials thank everyone for their cooperation and patience with the upcoming undertaking of the prescribed burn. Entergy Park looks forward to hosting the added wildlife and green flowering season ahead, both of which will be positively influenced by this venture through public and private support.