-Overview-
Fire is a natural part of many ecosystems, including those found in
Mecklenburg County. The disturbance created by periodic fire serves to
rejuvenate habitat, removing accumulated fuels and creating room for new
growth. These effects help maintain high levels of biodiversity and
provide many benefits to native flora and fauna.
Natural fires in developed areas are usually quickly extinguished for safety reasons. This policy
of fire suppression has been around for generations, as unchecked fire
(wildfire) can be quite destructive. However, this policy means that the
natural areas which once relied on the periodic disturbance of wildfire
have slowly been altered.
Today land managers use controlled burns (also known as prescribed fire) to
mimic the natural disturbance caused by the natural fires of years ago.
These fires are carefully planned and conducted under specific weather
conditions to achieve specific goals. In this way fire can safely be
used as a management tool.
-Locally-
The
Natural Resources Department routinely uses prescribed fire on county
property to achieve management goals. Some burns are conducted to
facilitate tree planting or reduce coverage of invasive species. Others
are conducted to reduce hazardous fuel buildups, improve wildlife
habitat, or provide benefit to fire-dependent ecosystems.
The burns are conducted to mimic natural disturbances as closely as possible.
Careful planning and preparation for each burn ensure that the fire is safely contained and the resulting smoke disperses. Cooperation with the county Fire Marshal and the N.C. Forest Service helps keep air quality standards high as well.
*Anyone
who wishes to conduct a prescribed fire or other open burn
in Mecklenburg County must obtain a permit from the Fire Marshal*
Keep an eye out for prescribed fire activity in a Nature Preserve
near you. You may notice smoke, road signs, or even see staff in the
midst of conducting a burn. If you look closely you may even notice
evidence of past fires. This is all part of the active management
strategy used to maintain and protect the natural resources of
Mecklenburg County.
-More Information-