Prescribed Burn at San Angelo State Park Begins Today

Starting today through Friday, Dec. 11, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department staff will conduct a prescribed burn. The burn will take place inside the San Angelo State Park, said a press release Tuesday.

Above: Prescribed burn at San Angelo State Park photo courtesy of Garrett Gibson

According to the release, because specific weather conditions are required to conduct an effective and safe prescribed burn, TPWD staff cannot provide a specific time for the burn. However, local emergency management officials will be notified before the prescribed fire is implemented.

Kurt Kemp, park superintendent, said during the burn, some areas of the park would be closed to the public, including some trails. During the burn, there may be smoke that reduces visibility on neighboring roads and Kemp cautions travelers to reduce their speed and use headlights when smoke is present.

Above: Prescribed burn at San Angelo State Park photo courtesy of Garrett Gibson

The prescribed burns are used as a management tool in state parks to improve habitat for wildlife by restoring forest and prairie habitats on the park that were historically maintained by natural fires. They are also conducted to reduce the amount of available fuels, such as leaf litter, fallen branches, understory growth and dead trees that accumulate naturally and from storm events. By reducing the amount of available fuels, prescribed burns reduce the chance for a potentially destructive wildfire to occur.

Fore more information regarding the planned burn, please contact the park at (325)949-4757 or (325)949-8935.