Orton controlled burns begin March 1
WINNABOW, NC (WWAY) — Orton will begin its annual prescribed burning between March 1 and May 1, 2025 on more than 6,000 acres to improve forest health and restore longleaf pine habitat, as part of a multi-partner, range-wide forest restoration effort.
According to a news release, trained experts conduct the controlled burns at Orton, and are in close coordination with the North Carolina Forest Service, the North Carolina Department of Air Quality, the Brunswick and New Hanover County fire departments and 911 services.
Orton Property Manager, Dillon Epp, a state-certified controlled burner, will oversee the burn in accordance with an approved plan to ensure the safety of people and property in the area.
Controlled burns are dependent upon optimal weather conditions.
“With its extensive longleaf pine forests and wetlands, Southeastern North Carolina is broadly recognized as one of the most ecologically diverse locations on earth,” said Epp. “Guided by Mr. Bacon’s focus on conservation, we are proud that our annual prescribed fire regimen at Orton, together with the work of our partners, is playing a significant role in a larger, range-wide public-private effort to build resilience in this special habitat.”
Prescribed fire helps reduce the risk of wildfire by reducing dangerous fuel loads that accumulate over the course of the year and also builds resilience by controlling invasive species and encouraging new plant growth. Orton says this preserves the habitats of the many threatened species native only to Southeastern North Carolina, such as the Venus flytrap.
“Fire plays a vital role in maintaining southern pine ecosystems and is a pragmatic management tool to conserve a plethora of endemic plants and animals,” said Orton wildlife biologist and research scientist, Dr. Theron Terhune, PhD, GISp. “Prescribed fire remains the most effective forest management technique to perpetuate longleaf-wiregrass ecosystems – one of the Southeast’s most diverse flora and fauna ecosystems.”
Although the projected burning window stated is two months long, the actual number of days prescribed fire will be applied is around 14 days. Strict criteria such as optimal weather determine when a permitted burn can take place.
Area residents may see or smell smoke, including residents of Carolina Beach, Wrightsville Beach, and Wilmington, as well as travelers on Highway 133. Area residents should contact the North Carolina Forest Service with concerns.
