Prescribed Burning

Prescribed Burning. For Public Health and Safety. The industries in Savannah and Port Wentworth, Georgia stand above the horizon, less than three miles away from this overlook. A wildfire in Savannah National Wildlife Refuge could threaten these communities. Wildfire produces tons of smoke and ash, which spread for great distances. Airborne particles of organic matter and carbon in smoke are pollutants. They threaten persons with asthma and other respiratory ailments. Smoke pollution also impacts transportation. At night, smoke settles near the ground, lowering visibility on highways and at airports., The Fish and Wildlife Service uses prescribed burning to help prevent wildfire and air pollution in nearby communities. When necessary, trained crews burn this marsh and adjacent lands to reduce accumulation of “fuels” (dry grass and wood). This process significantly reduces the chances of wildfire and widespread smoke. Prescribed burns are short-lasting and are scheduled so that smokes disperse away from populated areas.