Burn Operations begin in March at Arnold Air Force Base

AEDC Burn operations in 2023. U.S. Air Force photo by Jeffery Page

The Arnold Air Force Base Natural Resources Management Team will soon begin prescribed fire operations. 

To support the Air Force’s mission at Arnold Engineering Development Complex, headquartered at Arnold AFB, prescribed fire will be utilized to help maintain plant communities in such a way that they continue to provide all the benefits that we have come to enjoy. 

Burns should begin the first weekend of March and continue until the end of the month. Each burn has a specific purpose and presents unique challenges, and the Natural Resources Management team has spent several months planning the details. 

Wildfire protection, noise attenuation, ecosystem development, invasive species control and wildlife habitat improvement are some of the reasons considered when selecting units to burn.

The control element of each burn comes from the team matching the area to burn with the weather parameters that will give the best results. Manipulating the intensity of the fire and the dispersal of the smoke are paramount in achieving ecological goals while mitigating unwanted impacts to the surrounding community.

For more information, call 931-454-3230.