Prescribed burn underway at Orton Plantation

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A prescribed burn is underway Wednesday at Orton Plantation as part of an effort to improve forest health and restore longleaf pine habitat.

According to Orton officials, crews are conducting a permitted prescribed burn on about 419 acres as part of the property’s land management plan.

Officials say strict criteria, including optimal weather conditions, were evaluated before moving forward with the burn. The work is being conducted under an approved plan designed to protect people and property in the surrounding area.

Highly experienced local fire and safety professionals are on site throughout the operation.

The burn starts around 11 a.m. and is expected to continue through approximately 6 p.m.

Officials say Orton’s annual prescribed fire program plays an important role in a broader public-private effort to strengthen and restore longleaf pine ecosystems across the region.

The conservation work at Orton has been guided by conservation philanthropist Louis Bacon, who Orton says has spent more than two decades supporting efforts to protect natural resources in southeastern North Carolina.