A prescribed burn is scheduled to take place during the months of February or March in the Arboretum at Rassie Wicker Park.

The area to be burned is between McCaskill Rd., Graham Rd., and Rassie Wicker Dr.

Prescribed burns are done to prevent the buildup 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 (fuel) buildup 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.