Friday, February 21, 2020

Controlled Burns Scheduled Feb. 22 & 23 in Atlantic County Parks

Two controlled burns in Atlantic County parks are scheduled to take place this weekend.

A controlled burn of approximately 15 acres  in the county’s Camp Acagisca tract off Weymouth Road in Mays Landing will begin between noon and 1 PM on Saturday, February 22 through about 6 PM that evening. And on Sunday, February 23, a controlled burn of 40 acres in the Estell Manor Park at 189 State Route 50 will occur between 10 AM and 6 PM.

Both controlled burns will be conducted by the New Jersey State Forest Fire Service with assistance from the Atlantic County Division of Parks and Recreation.

Controlled burns are used to prevent forest fires by eliminating underbrush and leaf litter that can fuel fires. In addition, they serve to stimulate new forest growth. They are one of several measures the Division of Parks and Recreation employs to prevent fires.

Controlled burns are contingent upon weather conditions. The State Forest Fire Service requires three consecutive days without precipitation prior to conducting a controlled burn. Wind conditions and humidity must also be favorable.

County News