Controlled burn on Pruitt Tract

If you see smoke billowing in the air near East Metropolitan Park this week, fear not; the Pruitt Tract at 8600 Burleson Manor Road is the site of several prescribed burns being conducted by Travis County Parks. Crews will be lighting burn piles between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. each day when weather permits – most likely today and Wednesday. The fires “are intended to reduce wildfire danger and improve ecosystem health” as well as “remove heavy volumes of fuel” from the area. Personnel from local fire departments and natural resource agencies are assisting with the operation. According to the news release, “Smoke will be present for much of the day, but it is expected to be relatively light and limited to the area immediately adjacent to the piles.” East Metropolitan Park will remain open during the burn operation.