Hitchcock Woods controlled burns to begin

Prescribed burning in Hitchcock Woods may begin as early as Saturday, if the weather permits, said Bennett Tucker, Woods superintendent.

"As part of a long-term plan to restore the ideal conditions of the longleaf pine ecosystem within the Hitchcock Woods, the Hitchcock Woods Foundation will implement its dormant season prescribed burning program...," Tucker said.

"There have been a lot of people burning all over the state already, but we haven't started yet because we haven't had adequate moister," he added.

Prescribed burning in the woods often begins in December.

Although Tucker said they burn into the woods and try to keep smoke from blowing downtown, residents may notice smoke or the smell of smoke coming from the Hitchcock Woods this weekend. Nearly 1,000 acres in 41 sectioned parcels have been identified for burning.

"I don't anticipate us having to close off any entrances," he said.

Hitchcock Woods Foundation staff work with a licensed contractor in conducting the burns.

"As fire managers, we abide by smoke management guidelines established by the EPA, the South Carolina Forestry Commission and DHEC to ensure adequate smoke dispersal," Tucker said in a written release. "Our crew is composed of three South Carolina certified prescribed fire managers and at least two people who constantly monitor and patrol our firebreaks."

Public Safety patrols the perimeter of the woods and signs warning when a burn is under way are posted at all formal entrances.

The burns are conducted for several reasons, Tucker said.

They benefit the ecosystem as well as keep the fuel load down to prevent accidental fires.

"These burns are done all over the nation, actually the world," he said.

For more information, visit www.hitchcockwoods.org.

Karen Daily, a graduate of USC, has been the crime reporter at the Aiken Standard for seven years. She has reported here since 2001.