The New Jersey Forest Fire Service has concluded its prescribed burns in the Pine Barrens for the year, Stafford Township Mayor John Spodofora announced in response to a number of calls from concerned residents about thick smoke plumes that have filled the sky in recent weeks.
Prescribed burns are conducted to remove leaves and debris from the forest floor, which act as fuel during a forest fire. The burns are conducted purposefully at this time of year so as to have minimal impact on wildlife. The forest is not very dry, and most animals are still hibernating; it’s also prior to nesting season for birds.
To reduce the alarm for people who mistake the smoke from the controlled burn for a wildfire, Spodofora said, the town will post notices of such activity as planned for certain areas on certain dates, though the dates are weather-dependent. —V.L.
http://thesandpaper.villagesoup.com...-prescribed-burn-activity-in-the-pines/980139
Prescribed burns are conducted to remove leaves and debris from the forest floor, which act as fuel during a forest fire. The burns are conducted purposefully at this time of year so as to have minimal impact on wildlife. The forest is not very dry, and most animals are still hibernating; it’s also prior to nesting season for birds.
To reduce the alarm for people who mistake the smoke from the controlled burn for a wildfire, Spodofora said, the town will post notices of such activity as planned for certain areas on certain dates, though the dates are weather-dependent. —V.L.
http://thesandpaper.villagesoup.com...-prescribed-burn-activity-in-the-pines/980139