Thursday, February 6, 2025

Where there is smoke …

Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge conducts prescribed burn

Posted

FORT WORTH — Throughout Friday afternoon, frightened Azle area residents called first responders with concerns about large plumes of smoke just outside the city. While there was plenty of smoke to be seen near State Highway 199, there was no danger from the fires.

The Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge conducted a prescribed burn Jan. 23–24. This effort was carried out by nature center staff, the Tarrant Regional Water District and the Fort Worth Fire Department Wildland Fire Team. While certain trails and sections of the center were closed off, 9601 Fossil Ridge Road remained open to the public both days. Several years ago, former FWNCR Natural Resources Manager Daniel Price applied for a United States Forest and Wildlife Service grant to start restoring the prescribed areas. Last week, nature center staff was excited to finally start blazing new trails.

“This helps with our land management,” acting nature center director Jared Wood said. “It is a great way to manage habitats. It reduces fuel and the chances of wildfires, so it reduces wildfire risk and provides excellent training to firefighters from around this area. If they are called to a wildfire, like everyone has seen in California, they’ll know exactly how to go about it.”

Along with preventing possible wildfires, prescribed burns may help reduce invasive plant and animal species and revitalize the soil, promoting renewed growth of diverse native flora and fauna. The burns and cleanup took place over a period of about three days and covered an area of 250 acres. Wood said given the area, scope and timing of the project, its success is a testament to all involved.

To learn more about the FWNCR, its operations and resources for visitors, visit www.fwnaturecenter.org.