ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn. -- From forests to grasslands, the ecosystems at Arnold Air Force Base have adapted to and, in some instances rely on, natural or human disturbance events.
Some examples of natural disturbances include major storm events, fires, floods, insect infestations or natural mortality, while human disturbances include timber harvesting, land clearing, mowing or herbicide applications.
Prescribed fire allows land managers the ability to mimic a natural disturbance.
Prescribed fires will begin at Arnold AFB on Feb. 23 and continue throughout the month of March.
As the Arnold AFB Natural Resources staff conduct prescribed burns each year, your only clue may be a column of smoke in the sky. This smoke is a result of the fire accomplishing Natural Resources habitat management goals - controlling competition and consuming plant material - thus reducing the potential for wildfires.
Managing the impacts of this smoke is one of the most important aspects of the planning phase of the burn. Proper smoke management reduces the potential health risks associated with poor air quality, minimizes the adverse effects on visibility, transportation and outdoor activities, and helps preserve public acceptance of the practice by minimizing negative experiences.
To achieve the best outcomes, the burning team will make use of weather data, forecasts and computer models to project smoke movement before the fire is lit. As the fire is burning, the team will keep records of smoke behavior and monitor for any effects on the surrounding community. If needed, the emissions from the fire can be altered by changing the timing of ignition or the firing pattern.
By implementing these basic smoke management practices, Arnold AFB land management objectives can be achieved while minimizing the impact of smoke.
For additional information on prescribed burning at Arnold AFB, please contact Arnold Air Force Base Public Affairs via email at Arnold.AEDC.PA@us.af.mil or by phone at 931-454-4204.