The N.C. Forest Service is set to conduct a prescribed burn on Big Island in McDowell County, weather permitting, on Wednesday, February 26. The planned 63-acre burn aims to eliminate hazardous fuel buildup, thereby reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfires. Additionally, it seeks to enhance wildlife habitat and improve the island’s aesthetic appeal.
Prescribed fire involves the controlled use of fire under specific weather and fuel conditions to achieve management goals. This practice is crucial for forest and wildlife management while also mitigating wildfire hazards.
Smoke from the burn is expected to be minimal, with some residual smoke anticipated over the lake and nearby low-lying areas after the operation.
This will mark the second time Big Island undergoes such a procedure; it was previously burned by the N.C. Forest Service in March 2021.
The agency emphasizes that prescribed fire remains one of the most effective practices for maintaining healthy forests in North Carolina.
For more information about prescribed fires and their benefits, visit www.ncforestservice.gov/goodfire.
