Wright-Patt announces prescribed burn season dates for Huffman Prairie

Published Oct. 25, 2024
By Contributed

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – Officials from the 88th Civil Engineer Group’s Natural Resources Program have announced the prescribed burn dates for the upcoming burn season, set for Nov. 1, 2024, through March 15, 2025.

According to an informational pamphlet from the base’s Natural Resources Program, prescribed burns are used to maintain and enhance ecosystem health. Dead vegetation accumulation creates potential fire hazards that can be reduced by burning areas on a two- to five-year rotation.

“For the 2024-2025 burn season, Quadrants 3 and 4 of Huffman Prairie, totaling approximately 50 acres, are the primary target for prescribed fire this season,” said Darryn Warner, Natural Resources program manager. “Last year, we were able to burn all of our targeted grassland areas but were not successful in completing any woodland burns. This summer and early fall have been somewhat dry, which may increase our chances of completing some woodland burns this season.”

Burns also help control the spread of woody and non-native species in habitats that can easily adapt to the climate and overtake native land. Consistent burning encourages the growth of original and native species while helping eradicate invasive plants.

“Fire is a natural management tool that releases essential nutrients back into the soil, reduces the thatch layer, and lowers fuel load, which helps control wildland fires,” Warner said. “Several rare species of plants and animals call WPAFB home, and as land managers, we rely on several different management methods to enhance the habitat these species use.”

To be successful, very specific conditions of temperature, relative humidity, wind direction, wind speed, and ground moisture must be present. Burns are typically done in the fall, partly because spring conditions are often too wet.

Important Information Regarding Prescribed Burns at Huffman Prairie

Weather forecasts are monitored beginning seven to 10 days in advance.

If a suitable weather window is identified, an informational email will be sent to base organizations detailing the window.
If a weather window is available five days in advance, another email will go out to base organizations requesting information on potential conflicts with mission schedules, personnel availability, resources, etc.
If a suitable weather window exists three days out, an AFCEC burn team may mobilize, depending on available resources, mission schedules, and AFCEC availability.
If sufficient resources are available and no mission schedule conflicts exist, and the AFCEC burn team mobilizes, additional informational emails will go out 24-36 hours prior to the scheduled prescribed fire to various sources, including WPAFB Airfield Management, Base Weather, National Park Service, EOD, the Rod & Gun Club, Security Forces, WPAFB Fire & Emergency Services, and 88th Civil Engineering.
On the scheduled day, shifts in wind or other unexpected weather events, or an unscheduled mission requirement, could cause the fire to be canceled for that day. If resources are available and the weather is favorable the following day, a prescribed fire will be planned for the next day.
Prescribed fires may be conducted any day of the week, including outside regular business hours Monday through Friday.

For more information about the WPAFB prescribed burn season, contact Darryn Warner at 937-257-4857 or darryn.warner@us.af.mil.

Yellow Hashed Areas= Grassland

Green Hashed Areas= Woodland