Two controlled, prescribed burns will take place in Pinehurst during the month of June.

The burns are scheduled to take place in Rassie Wicker Park and at the Pinehurst Harness Track. The areas to be burned are the center field of the one mile track at the Harness Track, Rassie Wicker Park between McKenzie Rd., N.C. 211, and Rassie Wicker Drive and across from the Village Hall beside the Police Department.

Prescribed burns are done to prevent the build-up of vegetative fuels in forests in order to reduce the damage that could occur should a wildfire happen as well as control infestation of disease borne insects such as deer ticks. Excess vegetation can lead to large, uncontrolled wildfires that could threaten nearby homes and property.

Some forest ecosystems like the Longleaf Pine benefit from fire by aiding with seed dispersal and adding nutrients to the soil.

Prescribed burns are conducted by professionals who must submit a burn plan to the Division of Forest Resources that includes fire and smoke control.

Because burns must be done when weather conditions are optimal to minimize the effects of smoke and achieve the desired effect of the burn a specific day of the week cannot be determined at this time.