Texas Park & Wildlife to Conduct Controlled Burn in San Angelo's State Park

SAN ANGELO, TX – The Texas Park & Wildlife Department announced today that its staff will conduct a prescribed burn beginning Monday, December 12, through Friday December 16, in the San Angelo State Park.

As specific weather conditions are required to safely conduct an effective prescribed burn, TPWD staff cannot provide a specific time for the burn. However, they will notify local emergency management officials before the burn is implemented. Park Superintendent Kurt Kemp stated that during the controlled burn certain areas of the park will be closed to the public, including several walking trails. Kemp added that, during the burn, “there may be smoke that reduces visibility on neighboring roads” and urges drivers in the area to “reduce their speed and use their headlights when smoke is present.”

State parks use prescribed burns as a management tool to improve habitat for wildlife by restoring forest and prairie habitats in the park that were historically maintained by natural fires. Prescribed burns are also a way 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, a prescribed burn can reduce the chance of a potentially destructive wildfire from occurring.

For more information in regards to the upcoming planned burn, please contact the park at 325-949-4757, or 325-949-8935.