What is a prescribed fire?
A prescribed fire is a carefully planned and executed intentional fire. When planning a prescribed fire, public safety, weather patterns, and the surrounding environment are all taken into account.
What are the benefits of a prescribed fire?
Prescribed fires have many benefits and can be used in a variety of ecosystems. This particular prescribed fire will:
* Decrease the threat of destructive wildfires during dry periods
* Return nutrients to the soil
* Reduce invasive and woody species that seek to encroach upon our native prairie and savanna ecosystems without the use of herbicide
* Create new openings for native grasses and wildflowers to sprout
* Increase the biodiversity of the Arboretum’s ecosystems
* Provide environmental education opportunities
When will the Houston Arboretum be conducting a prescribed fire?
The current prescribed fire will be conducted on Thursday, March 24, 2022, weather permitting. If adequate weather conditions are not met the morning of the fire, the burn will be rescheduled.
Who will be conducting the prescribed fire at the Arboretum?
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center conservation staff will work with Houston Fire Department’s highly trained and certified wildland firefighters to conduct the burn. Texas Parks and Wildlife’s State Fire Program Leader will also be on site with TPWD Wildland Fire Management Program staff.
What are the safety precautions in effect?
In order to conduct the prescribed fire, a Burn Plan was put together by the Arboretum, HFD, and TPWD. It identifies the necessary weather and environmental conditions that must be met for a safe prescribed fire. It also outlines contingencies to protect nearby properties.
Prior to the burn, HFD will canvass adjacent neighborhoods with information, and the Arboretum will have signage on-site and literature available online.
During the prescribed fire, the impacted area will be closed to visitors. HFD will be coordinating with Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Houston Health Department to monitor air quality, and signs will be posted along nearby roadways indicating that there is a prescribed fire ahead.
What should you expect the day of the prescribed fire?
The day of the prescribed fire, you may see smoke in the area of the Arboretum or on nearby roadways. You may also see HFD and Houston Police Department vehicles in the area. If you see smoke on the roadways, please reduce your speed, use headlights, pay attention to posted reduced speed limits, and refrain from calling 911.
What should you expect after the prescribed fire?
The fire itself will only last for a few hours, however some smoldering may occur in the days following the burn. This is normal and all smoldering areas will be monitored by staff. After the fire, much of the area will appear blackened. Within a few weeks of the burn, visitors can expect to see an abundance of lush green growth sprouting from the blackened area.
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