Controlled Burn Planned For Rural Hill Nature Preserve Today

HUNTERSVILLE, NC — Huntersville residents will likely see smoke midday Thursday near Rural Hill Nature Preserve. Mecklenburg County fire officials are conducting a controlled burn.

The March 4 controlled burn will begin around noon, and smoke will affect air quality downwind for two to three hours.

"To reduce your exposure to smoke, stay indoors or avoid areas of heavy smoke," MCNR said.

The county's natural resources department uses prescribed fire as part of its management plan, and are conducted to mimic natural occurrence, according to Mecklenburg County Natural Resources: "Fire is a natural part of many ecosystems, including those found in Mecklenburg County. The disturbance created by periodic fire serves to rejuvenate habitat, removing accumulated fuels and creating room for new growth. These effects help maintain high levels of biodiversity and provide many benefits to native flora and fauna."

You can learn more about prescribed burns in Mecklenburg County here.

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