Why the air gets smokey this time of year

Like clockwork, the crisp temperatures and clear skies in January in these parts usher in the occasional sky of smoke.  But the U-S Forest Service says it’s for a good cause.  Across the expansive Sumter National Forest prescribed fire is considered a valuable tool used by fire managers toward the goals of land management and habitat improvement.  Throughout the 85 thousand acres of the Andrew Pickens District at Mountain Rest prescribed fire operations are planned to treat 5 to 8 thousand acres during the dormant season.  Last year inside the Andrew Pickens District, 21 prescribed burns treated more than 8 thousand, 500 acres.  In two of the burns, forest service workers partnered with the state parks to accomplish burns for 346 acres and coordinated with local and state partners to complete two research burns.  Communities adjacent to the national forest may experience temporary smoke impacts.  The smokey conditions may affect nearby roads, resulting in the occasional road closure or traffic control.