Town of Cary issued the following announcement on Jan. 4.
As part of its long-term fire management plan for Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve, the Town of Cary will perform its annual prescribed burn at the bluffs sometime between January and April of 2022, weather and conditions permitting. The North Carolina Forest Service will implement and supervise the burn, which will measure two to five acres, or approximately the size of a football field. Town staff will offer logistical assistance, and a Town of Cary fire truck will be present onsite during the burn. While certain sections of select trails will close, the preserve will remain open and visitors are encouraged to enjoy as usual.
Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve is a registered State Natural Area, and the Town of Cary is bringing the necessary resources and experts to bear on continuing a prescribed fire management program focusing on fuel reduction and wildfire prevention. “Safety is our top priority, so trails will be signed and patrolled by natural resource managers and preserve staff as needed,” said Mark Johns, Operations and Program Supervisor at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve. Burns implemented in prior years have been a huge success.
Wildfires are a common threat to structures in many areas of North Carolina, especially during drought and times of high winds. Prescribed burns are a proven and safe way to reduce fuel loads in forests and other areas. Prescribed burns at Hemlock Bluffs will be supervised and implemented by trained individuals with the N.C. Forest Service, with logistical support from Town staff.
The notification window of the burn may be only hours, depending on weather conditions. Citizens who wish to obtain more detailed information on the burn can contact Mark Johns at mark.johns@townofcary.org.
Original source can be found here.
