Controlled Burn Planned In West Huntersville Friday

HUNTERSVILLE, NC -- If you see smoke in west Huntersville Friday midday, don't be alarmed. Mecklenburg County Natural Resources are conducting a controlled burn at Cowan's Ford Wildlife Refuge.

The March 9 controlled burn will begin at 11:30 a.m. and is expected to last two to three hours and will affect air quality downwind, officials said. "To reduce your exposure to smoke, stay indoors or avoid areas of heavy smoke," MCNR said.

The county's natural resources department uses prescribed fire as part of its management plan, and are conducted to mimic natural occurrence, according to Mecklenburg County Natural Resources: "Fire is a natural part of many ecosystems, including those found in Mecklenburg County. The disturbance created by periodic fire serves to rejuvenate habitat, removing accumulated fuels and creating room for new growth. These effects help maintain high levels of biodiversity and provide many benefits to native flora and fauna."

You can learn more about prescribed burns in Mecklenburg County here.

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