Crime & Safety

Firefighters To Aid In 100-Acre Controlled Burn

Intentionally set fire is aimed at promoting growth and survival of native plant life.

NORTH AUSTIN-PFLUGERVILLE, TX -- Members of the Pflugerville Fire Department will be among a team of several area emergency teams participating in a 100-acre controlled burn southeast of Austin on Friday.

The prescribed burn at Pace Bend Park will take place from 11 am. to 6 p.m. The burn itself will be a three-hour affair.

Pflugerville firefighters will be joined by their counterparts from Lake Travis Fire Rescue, the Pedernales Fire Department, LBJ Wildflower Center and the Texas A&M Forest Service.

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The prescribed burn includes 100 acres of grasslands and woodlands. It’s designed to help maintain such plant communities by removing invading shrubs, reducing the number of exotic species, and enhancing the health and diversity of the native plant community.

Such activity can be conducted regardless of wind direction, according to a Travis County Emergency Services advisory.

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Predicted northerly winds are expected to carry the smoke to the south across portions of the park and communities to the south, including portions of Lago Vista. Some smoke impacts are expected to the south, but should be relatively light and of a short duration, the advisory notes.

The park will remain open during the burn. However, some portions of the park, specifically along its eastern portions, may close for all or part of Friday and into the weekend.

Pace Bend Park is located at 2805 Pace Bend Road North in Spicewood, 22 miles southeast of Austin in unincorporated terrain.

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