Prescribed burn improves safety, security near airfield

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jaimi L. Upthegrove
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  The Florida Department of Forestry Service conducted a prescribed burn at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Florida, March 30.

The prescribed burn was conducted to reduce the naturally occurring fuel load, such as leaves and underbrush, increase visibility in thick vegetative areas, control invasive species, and reduce the large mammal wildlife population.

"Reducing the fuel load means removing available fuel for a naturally occurring fire, such as a lightning strike," said Josh Friers, U.S. Department of Agriculture wildlife technician here. "If we don't keep the fuel load at a manageable level and a fire starts naturally we may not be able to control it."

Another benefit of the prescribed burn is increased visibility created by burning the thick undergrowth.

"When you can't see through these densely overgrown areas, you don't know what's hiding in there," said Dr. Michael Andrejko, 482nd Environmental Flight natural resources program manager. "We have everything from coyotes to bobcats, but removing visual obstacles also allows for clear line of sight for better force protection."

Larger mammals could potentially threaten the flying mission at Homestead ARB.

"One problem with the larger animals is the significant amount of damage they could do to one of the jets if they were to run across the flight line at the wrong time," said Friers.

As a federal installation the base aims to protect the environment as much as the mission.

"These burns help us control some of the invasive plant species while protecting others that are endangered or protected," said Andrejko. "Under the Sikes Act we are required to protect the natural environment while also safeguarding the mission."

A burn like this couldn't take place without considerable amounts of coordination.

The Florida Forestry Department conducted the burn while the 482nd Mission Support Group Fire Department was on standby waiting to assist if needed.

While the forestry service managed the burning process, Mako F-16s took off on schedule, unaffected by the smoke.

"The smoke wasn't an issue for the jets, but the pilots know to increase their vigilance during the process," said Gary Lewis, Florida Department of Forestry Service Miami-Dade and Broward county supervisor.

Prescribed burns are conducted for various reasons, and when the mission is able to keep going, the base only stands to gain from them, said Friers.

Andrejko said he hopes to conduct burns like these on an annual basis to keep the fuel load under control, manage the large mammal wildlife population down, and maintain visibility in the wooded areas of the base.