Single Publication

U.S. Forest Service plans to begin prescribed burning on Savannah River Site

New Ellenton SC, December 15, 2022— USDA Forest Service - Savannah River plans to initiate prescribed fire operations in January 2023 as weather patterns shift to cooler temperatures and fuel conditions on the ground allow for safe resumption of activities. To learn about benefits of prescribed fire on communities and the environment visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/prescribed-fire.

“The health and safety of the public and our firefighters is extremely important to us,” said U.S. Forest Service-Savannah River Assistant Manager for Fire Brandon Hughes. “Burns are conducted only when fuel and weather conditions on the ground align with anticipated weather conditions allowing firefighters to conduct them in a safe manner.”

Over the next several months, the public may see or smell fire and smoke in various areas surrounding the Savannah River Site from prescribed fire activities. Through careful planning and preparation, every effort is made to lessen the impact of smoke from prescribed fires. Smoke, however, is a natural byproduct of fire, and some amounts are unavoidable. Fire managers work with local air quality officials to ensure compliance with air quality regulations and required conditions prior to initiating any prescribed fire. Real-time air quality information for areas surrounding the Savannah River Site is available at https://map.purpleair.com/.

Follow us or visit us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/SavannahRiverFS for real time prescribed fire information. Questions regarding the prescribed fire program on Savannah River Site can be submitted at https://www.fs.usda.gov/contactus/savannahriver/about-forest/contacts. For additional information contact Josef Orosz, Public Affairs Specialist, USFS Savannah River at josef.orosz@usda.gov or (530) 440-9741.                                            

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