Burning Planned At APG

ABERDEEN, MD — There may be fires burning at Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) on Tuesday, according to officials. Don't be alarmed; they are part of a controlled burn.

The U.S. Army Aberdeen Test Center and APG emergency services personnel will be conducting the controlled burns to manage downrange areas, officials said. According to APG, fire is the best way to maintain the ranges in terms of both safety and cost, because of concerns regarding unexploded ordnances. Mowing could be dangerous, officials say.

APG conducts controlled burns to minimize the likelihood of wild fires and to keep the land primed for testing and training activities, according to Army officials. Harford County permits the burns, which are coordinated with the APG Fire Department.

Planning for the controlled burns can begin as much as six months in advance, according to APG News, which reports the program is in its third year.

APG conducted a controlled burn in January, but officials say this year they are starting in December to protect wildlife.

“We are targeting three specific ranges to burn a little earlier than in previous years,” Ben Gallardy of Aberdeen Test Center’s Range Control Division told APG News. "This is directly linked to the bald eagle nesting season, which occurs every year between Dec. 15 and June 15. By burning those specific areas before the nesting season begins, we will further minimize any impacts to the success of the nests located adjacent to those range areas.”

The controlled burn on Dec. 19 will take place weather-permitting. Officials say that they will try to minimize smoke impacts on post and in surrounding communities.

File photo.