Weather-permitting, the South Carolina Forestry Commission (SCFC) has planned a controlled burn at the Camden Battlefield Thursday.
The wildfire prevention management effort covers a 55-acre tract of land to primarily clear out built-up vegetation and debris that could easily catch fire. Historic Camden Foundation contracted the burn to not only reduce the risk of wildfire damage, but to also restore the landscape to reflect how it appeared on Aug. 16, 1780—the date of the Battle of Camden.
Prescribed burning doesn't extinguish all wildfires, but the management tool is a proven and effective resource for in preventing larger and more frequent outbreaks.
The SCFC notes that the practice has many benefits including:
- Reducing the amount of wildfire fuels
- Eliminating vegetative competition
- Improving wildlife habitat
- Reducing the spread of pest insects and diseases
Approximately 500,000 acres are prescribed-burned annually in South Carolina. Thursday's burn will begin about 9:30 a.m. at Camden Battlefield, 1698 Flat Rock Rd. The burn is expected to be at its peak around noon.