Despite radio, internet web site and social media posts by WZQZ and local fire departments, some people were caught off guard on Monday of this week when they saw smoke billowing over Taylor’s Ridge. 

The Georgia Forestry Service conducted a controlled burn on Monday.  WZQZ received several questions and comments about the controlled burn from people who were not aware of what was going on.

This is the time of the year when “controlled burns” or “prescribed burns” are most often done. Prescribed burns are a regular part of most forest management strategies. The controlled fires benefit plant and wildlife while reducing fuel sources for wildfires to feed on. Fire is part of the natural ecology and controlled or prescribed burns are a way to keep forest lands healthy.

Since the burns are dependent on weather, often times notices about the burns can sometimes be issued less than 24 hours before the event.