A crew uses a drip torch to start a controlled prairie burn. (Adobe)A prescribed burn is scheduled at the Lake Fayetteville dam at 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15. The burn is expected to take around two hours.
Officials said the trail on the dam will be temporarily closed during the burn, but it is not anticipated that any further closures of the trail or the surrounding park area will be required.
Burns like these are meant to eliminate vegetation that can prevent thorough inspections of the dam and the wetland area below the dam, according to a press release.
Immediately after the burn, crews will repair any animal burrows or other threats to the integrity of the dam in areas that are difficult to inspect during other times of the year, the release stated.
Weather and environmental conditions such as fuel, moisture, relative humidity, and smoke dispersion indices will all be taken into account before the burn is conducted, according to the release. Fayetteville and Springdale fire departments will be notified of the burn and will assist if needed.
