Hey Sarge,
We are good on this, right?
From: "Murray, Ernest S -FS" <
[email protected]>
To:
Sent: Wednesday, February 6, 2013 11:05 AM
Subject: U.S. Forest Service News Release; U.S. Forest Service to conduct controlled burns for forest health
News
Release
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U.S. Forest Service
2221 North Raguet St.
Lufkin, Texas 75904
www.fs.usda.gov/texas
Jan. 22, 2013
********* Contact: Chris Schenck, 936-639-8543
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For Immediate Release
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U.S. Forest Service to conduct
controlled burns for forest health
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U.S. Forest Service fire personnel have begun controlled burns in the national forests and will continue the burns during the next few months.
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Despite recent rainfall, Texas is still recovering from its worst drought in more than 100 years and controlled burning dramatically reduces the chances of a wildfire spreading out of control.
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“We saw firsthand during the 2011 fire season the results of controlled burns. The devastating wildfires across Texas were less intense, quickly controlled, and resulted in less damage to timber and other natural resources on areas that were previously treated with a controlled burn,” said Fire Management Officer Chris Schenck.
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“Our primary concern is for the safety of the public,” Schenck said. “We want the public to know what we’re doing when we conduct burns on the national forests. These are controlled fires conducted by experienced, qualified firefighters who work as a team to ignite, monitor and ensure that the fire stays within the control lines.”
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The Forest Service conducts burning only when weather conditions are most favorable and are based on daily fire weather forecasts from the National Weather Service. Forest Service fire personnel take into account weather conditions and fire behavior before conducting a burn.
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“Folks may see a helicopter overhead, smoke columns rising and smoke settling in low-lying areas. Anytime there is a fire, there is going to be smoke,” he said. “There will be times when smoke will settle in low-lying areas especially during the late evenings and overnight hours.”
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Schenck recommends that those with respiratory problems close windows and ventilate their homes by using the air conditioning or heating system. Some may want to leave the area until the smoke clears. Anyone sensitive to smoke should contact their local National Forest District Office to provide information so they can be notified in advance of planned burns. If drivers encounter smoke on the road, they should reduce their speed and use low beam lights to become more visible to other traffic.
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Controlled burns benefit wildlife habitat by removing dead/dying material from the understory which improves the availability of forage and the quality of browse for wildlife. Reducing the underbrush improves foraging, brood, and nesting habitat for turkey, quail, deer and other wildlife species.
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“The bottom line is that controlled burns and resulting smoke is a short term inconvenience that results in a long term gain by benefitting wildlife, improving forest health, and protecting homes and property from destructive wildfires,” Schenck said.
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For questions about the controlled fire program or concerns please feel free to contact:
Chris Schenck, Fire Management Officer at 936-639-8543 or
Angelina National Forest, Zavalla, 936-897-1068
Sabine National Forest, Milam, 409-625-1940
Davy Crocket National Forest, Ratcliff, 936-655-2299
Sam Houston National Forest, New Waverly, 936-344-6205
Caddo/Lyndon B. Johnson National Grasslands, Decatur, 940-627-5475
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On the web: **
www.fs.usda.gov/texas
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http://www.firewise.org/
http://www.goodfires.org/
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Take it easy,
gmcpcs
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