Thursday, March 03, 2022

UNCW is planning a controlled burn of a select tract within the longleaf pine forest on the main campus March 7-12, weather permitting.

The planned burn area is approximately 67 acres in size and bordered by Carleton Place to the west, Clear Run Creek to the north, Rose Avenue to the east as well as UNCW forest areas to the east and south.

The burn will be low in intensity, occur only on the ground (not in the trees) and it is expected to last less than a day. UNCW Environmental Health and Safety and facilities personnel will be on site at all times. The sight and odor of smoke will be detectable on campus and in nearby neighborhoods. Safety controls will be in place to minimize smoke exposure.

A controlled burn decreases the chances of a more intense and hazardous wildfire by destroying the fuel load of the accumulated layer of leaf litter and improves the health of the longleaf pine forest, which is a fire-dependent ecosystem.

For questions or further information:
UNCW Environmental Health and Safety – 910.962.3057
UNCW Project Management – 910.215.1167