Controlled burns ahead for the state parks

State and federal fire crews will carry out controlled burns this winter and early spring at several South Carolina state parks.  Controlled burns are planned at a number of state parks in Oconee and Pickens counties–including Devil’s Fork and Oconee state parks in Oconee and Table Rock and Keowee-Toxaway in Pickens.  Regular controlled burns reduce hazardous forest fuels that cause wildfires and improve habitat conditions for wildlife and recreation.  All burns are based on weather conditions, making difficult the task to provide early, advance notice to the public.  Trails and roads in and around the park may close temporarily. Prior to a burn, crews construct firebreaks to ensure the fire doesn’t leave the burn area.  Immediately, afterward the area may temporarily look raw and desolate.  But new shoots start to green the forest floor within a few days or weeks.