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The Greater Valley Area is seeing multiple controlled burns this week. A controlled, or prescribed, burn is, “a planned fire used to reduce the spread of pest insects and promote forest health. It also reduces the risk of wildfires and improves animal habitat,” according to a post made by the West Point Army Corp of Engineers. 

In Beulah, a private landowner is conducting a large controlled burn on their property. 400 acres between Lee Road 379 and Lee Road 334 are a part of the burn, according to the Beulah Fire Department. Visible smoke has been seen in the area and is being monitored closely. The controlled burn started on March 14 and will last a couple of days, weather permitting.

The West Point Army Corp of Engineers has been doing prescribed burns throughout the land surrounding the lake. 

Park Rangers conducted prescribed burns near Bird Creek on Thursday. The areas are closed hunting areas, however, Ferrell Tatum Road off of Lower Glass Bridge Road runs nearby. 

Chambers County is expected to have another prescribed burn in the next couple of weeks, also done by the West Point ACE. It will take place off of County Road 288, and the timing will depend on weather conditions. Although according to park ranger, Ben Williams, the corp is trying to finish all scheduled prescribed burns by mid-April before burns become unadvisable.

Smoke may be visible in these areas. Motorists are advised to use headlights and proceed with caution when driving through drifting smoke. Williams asks drivers to go slow through smoky areas. If passersby see flames or smoke in the area, Williams says it is likely the rangers, however if worried, call 911. The West Point AME has notified emergency services of the burn orders.