FORT CAMPBELL, KY – Fort Campbell Directorate of Public Works Forestry Section is preparing for the upcoming fire season. During fire season, Forestry conducts prescribed burns in various training areas across the installation and smoke may be seen from off the installation.
“Last season Fort Campbell DPW Forestry Section contained 8,900 acres of wildfires and implemented approximately 16,000 acres of prescribed fire,” said J.P. Hart, Forestry Section Supervisor and Wildland/Prescribed Fire Lead. “Fort Campbell’s typical burn season starts in September and runs through the end of March, however given the right weather conditions and training activities, a wildfire could happen year-round.”
Prescribed burns are a common practice on Fort Campbell and promote healthier ecosystems, enhance wildlife habitat, improve forest conditions, and facilitate military training.
“The use of fire promotes growth for native grasses and wildflowers and creates better habitat areas, especially for White-tail Deer and ground nesting birds such as Turkey and Bobwhite Quail,” said Hart.
Wildfires on the installation are usually the result of munitions training in the impact areas. Forestry personnel monitor suppress and control the fires using a variety of equipment and techniques such as backburning (setting fire) to create buffers. Additionally, personnel from the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security and the Directorate of Emergency Services support Forestry in managing fires.
Hart encourages individuals across the installation’s rear training area to keep an eye out for potential hazards if they see smoke or fire.
“If you’re seeing fire or smoke in an area and no one is around and you’re concerned, contact 911,” he said.