Base to conduct controlled burn of Huffman Prairie Published Nov. 15, 2010 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Base Environmental along with Ohio Department of Natural Resources-Division of Forestry will conduct a controlled burn of Huffman Prairie on Tuesday, Nov. 16, weather permitting. The original date for the burn as Nov 9, but was canceled due to unfavorable winds. The controlled burn is used to maintain and expand existing prairie vegetation as well as prohibit the spread of invasive woody species in an effort to restore Huffman Prairie to its natural state. The fire will generate black smoke which will be visible to nearby residents, base personnel and those traveling on thoroughfares near the base. Huffman Prairie is southeast of Wright-Patterson's two runways and is located north and adjacent to Huffman Prairie Flying Field, operated by the National Park Service. Base officials normally burn up to 25 percent of the prairie annually, as required. Officials said the burns are typically accomplished in the fall, in part because the ground is often too wet in the spring. The burns are coordinated with the Ohio Division of Forestry. In the event of wet weather or high winds, the burn may be rescheduled later in the next week.