Prescribed burn set to take place on JB MDL Published Jan. 19, 2012 By Robert Lemanski JB MDL Fire Emergency Service JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- The skies over Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst will fill with smoke several times during fall and early spring. This can cause concern for local residents and employees, but the Joint Base Fire Emergency Service and Natural Resource personnel are merely conducting a prescribed burn. What is a prescribed burn? Technically, a prescribed burn is the skillful application of fire under exacting conditions of weather and fuel in a predetermined area, for a specific purpose to achieve specific results. Fire has been used for many years as a tool to protect the lives and property of the residents living near the forestlands of the joint base. This is done by setting fires under exact conditions to reduce the underbrush (the "fuel" for a fire), in areas which are prone to fire or may be located where an oncoming wildfire can best be defended. "The team uses extensive resources to ensure the burns remain under control," said Jeff Silagy, JB MDL Fire Department deputy fire chief from Medford, N.J. "The controlled burns offer emergency personnel the opportunity to apply their extensive training and hone their skills while making JB MDL safer." The primary purpose of prescribed burning on JB MDL is to reduce the hazardous accumulations of forest fuels. This aids in the prevention of wildfires, reduces the intensity of the fires and provides a foundation for safer, more effective fire suppression and protection operations. The practice has proven to be an effective and economical when protecting the joint base wildlands and safeguarding the joint base and surrounding communities. While the principle reason for prescribed burning is wildfire hazard reduction, it also has numerous secondary benefits, including: - wildlife habitat management, - site management for forestry activities, - ecological plant and animal management, - forest disease and pest control, - nutrient recycling, - grassland management, - improved accessibility, and - enhanced appearances, Joint Base Fire Emergency Services along with the Natural Resources personnel will commence the prescribed burning plan starting in late January and February and will continue through late winter and early spring months, weather permitting. The burns will take place in various locations throughout the joint base with a total of approximately 4,100 acres being burned.