By Trish Svoboda/Image courtesy Canva

McConnell Air Force Base officials announced plans to begin controlled burns today, Wednesday, March 18, as part of ongoing wildfire prevention efforts.

Base officials said prescribed burns will start on the southeast side of the installation, where selected brush piles will be ignited. While crews will monitor the burns, some piles may continue to smolder and produce smoke for several days.

Additional burns are planned over the next two weeks in grasslands along the south-central and southeast portions of the base, as well as in select creek beds. Officials noted the burns will only take place when weather and wind conditions are favorable.

The Air Force Wildland Fire Branch coordinated with the base fire department to prepare the areas in advance. Controlled burns are used to remove excess vegetation and reduce the risk of uncontrolled wildfires.