Why is there smoke in the air? Prescribed burn to be conducted at Houston Arboretum this week

The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center has announced plans to conduct a prescribed fire in the Houston area this week, in collaboration with the Houston Fire Department.

Scheduled between Tuesday, February 20, and Thursday, February 22, the prescribed fire will take place near the Donor Boardwalk and the Savanna Field Station, with the possibility of rescheduling based on unsuitable weather conditions such as wind speed and direction.

Stephen Benigno, the conservation director of the Houston Arboretum, emphasized the historical importance of fire in the region, highlighting its positive impact on native vegetation diversity and the reduction of invasive species.

This upcoming prescribed fire follows the controlled burn conducted in the Meadow area in February 2023, marking the fourth such event at the Houston Arboretum since March 2021.

The Houston Fire Department advises nearby motorists to exercise caution, reduce speed, use headlights, and adhere to any posted lower-speed restrictions during the burn. Fire crews will be present in the vicinity to manage the operation.

Residents and drivers in the vicinity may observe smoke rising from the fire, which also serves as an educational opportunity to promote awareness about fire’s role in land management and wildfire prevention.

Benigno emphasized the importance of using fire as a tool for land management and wildfire prevention, underscoring the Arboretum’s commitment to public education and environmental stewardship.