Controlled burn expected to cause smoke in Brunswick and New Hanover counties

WINNABOW, NC (WWAY) — Orton Plantation will be conducting a controlled burn Wednesday on 607 acres of land in Brunswick County.

According to a press release, the controlled burn is part of Orton Plantation’s “management plan to improve forest health and restore longleaf pine habitat.”

The burn will occur in the 9100 block of Orton Road SE in Winnabow.

Between March 1 and May 1, more than 6,000 acres will be burned to improve forest health and restore longleaf pine habitat.

A number of agencies will be on hand monitoring Wednesday’s fire including the North Carolina Forest Service, the North Carolina Department of Air Quality, the Brunswick and New Hanover County fire departments and 911 services.

These burns are conducted based upon optimal weather conditions to mitigate concerns about smoke.

Residents in Carolina Beach, Wrightsville Beach and Wilmington as well as travelers on Highway 133 may notice smoke in the area as a result of the controlled burn.

The Forestry Service says prescribed fires not only benefit the longleaf pine ecosystem by controlling invasive species and encouraging new plant growth but also mitigates the possibility of wildfire by reducing dangerous fuel loads that accumulate over the course of the year.

If you have questions or concerns about the fire or smoke, contact the North Carolina Forest Service at 919-857-4801.