(Chad Estes (left), Fort Polk Fire Department, and Brad Smart, of Fort Polk's Directorate
of Public Works, prepare to conduct a controlled burn of the forest near family housing)
Controlled burns keep housing safe
By ZACH MORGAN
Guardian staff writer
FORT POLK, La. - Throughout December and January, Fort Polk's
Directorate of Public Works Natural Resources Management Branch,
forestry section, has conducted prescribed burns of forested areas on
Fort Polk, including several areas adjacent to Family housing. The
operation is expected to continue through February. Burning the forested
areas within housing areas is necessary to reduce the amount of fuel
(leaf litter and pine needles) that has accumulated over time. This
minimizes the possibility of a dangerous wildfire. Burning also reduces
the amount of underbrush and increases visibility. Better visibility
means a safer neighborhood for all residents.
According to Bruce Martin, installation forestry officer, the burns are
scheduled for the winter months because there is minimal green
undergrowth, which produces more smoke than dry debris. 2003 was the
last time the forestry team burned near the housing areas. "It's not
like burning out in the range areas," Martin said. "We spend more time
patrolling. Our level of patrolling is intense. It's a no-fail game for
us." The Directorate of Emergency Services firefighters and the Fort
Polk Safety Office are also on hand at the burn sites to ensure a safe
operation. "The firefighters' presence helps the residents feel more
secure because they are familiar," Martin said. "They can call the right
equipment in to respond if there is a structure fire."
"We have shared responsibility for this operation," agreed Chief Michael
Kuk, Fort Polk Fire Department. The agencies' precautions have paid off,
as there have not been any structure fires during prescribed burns in
recent memory.
The risk resulting from infrequent controlled burns is high. "Louisiana
has everything Southern California has in terms of potential for severe
wildfires," said Kuk. "Because a lot of the housing on post adjoins
wooded areas, they are under a threat from wild fires because pine is a
volatile fuel when it is dry. It burns easily and very hot."
Kuk said the weather has been ideal for the prescribed burns this year.
"The fire did not pose any threats and it burned all the debris in the
intended area," he said. The agencies have completed 9,000 acres of
prescribed burning, and hope to cover 21,000 more this year.
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