The Rhode Island DEM has announced its intent to conduct low-severity prescribed burns on state lands across various locations, including Prudence Island, and in Exeter, West Greenwich, Coventry, Richmond, and South Kingstown. The controlled burns are scheduled to take place from late winter to early spring as part of DEM’s Forest Fire Program’s prescribed fire season.
Prescribed burns, carefully planned and executed, serve as a versatile tool for natural resource managers in maintaining habitat diversity and preventing extreme fires by reducing hazardous natural fuels. DEM emphasizes that the burns will only be conducted based on weather and wind conditions, and the agency plans to provide the public with timely updates several days before the operations commence.