Prescribed, or controlled, burnings called essential

The prescribed, or controlled, burns that turned sunny Oconee County days this week into a maze of grey may be annoying, but they are considered essential for the stewardship of natural resources and the protection of lives and property. At the request of state, federal and non-government land management organizations, Governor Nikki Haley has proclaimed this month Prescribed Fire Awareness Month in South Carolina. Controlled burning is an ancient practice that Native Americans used for crop management, insect and pest control, and to improve hunting habitats. The practice continues under the direction of local managers who consider the appropriate weather conditions, fuel loads and atmospheric conditions before conducting burns. The fires are an important tool to reduce the chance of wildfires, maintain wildlife habitat, and keep more than 13 million acres of forested land in the state healthy and productive.