Smoke drifting in plumes across some roads in Georgetown County is not being sparked by rampant forest fires.

The smoke is coming from several controlled burns [also called prescribed burns] that are being used to reduce natural undergrowth, said Scott Hawkins, spokesman for the S.C. Forestry Commission.

Smoke billowed over parts of the Choppee community this week, and caused the shutdown of a road in that area Wednesday morning.

The road was closed by the S.C. Highway Patrol after smoke caused hazardous driving conditions in the area of Genesis Road around 6 a.m. Wednesday.

The burning in Choppee was being done as a tool to reduce natural debris and stop wildfires from spreading this spring.

The dry undergrowth is considered a hazard because it provides fuel for forest fires, Hawkins said.

“We’re in prescribed fire season, and this type of fire is called a hazard reduction,” Hawkins said. “It can be done for different reasons, but this one is to reduce the fuel load.”

The fire burning near the border of Georgetown and Charleston counties is also a controlled burn, Hawkins said.

About 25 acres was burned to eliminate dried, natural material, he said.

A press release from federal officials said prescribed burning is taking place in Francis Marion National Forest.

“The USDA Forest Service has begun implementing annual prescribed burning on the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests. Contingent on weather factors, burning may continue as late as June,” the press release said.

“We conduct prescribed burns under very specific and controlled conditions to imitate fire that naturally occurs in forested areas. The burns improve forest health, enhance habitat for native species like wild turkey and songbirds, and prevent the excess buildup of forest fuels (dead or downed trees and other vegetation) that could result in catastrophic wildfire.”

Prescribed burns are happening now in the county because the undergrowth is dormant, Hawkins said.

According to the S.C. Forestry Commission Web site, prescribed burns can be done for wildlife management or to improve the appearance of a natural area.

“For many years we have been taught that fire in the forest is bad,” the Web site said. “What we should have been taught is that uncontrolled fire in the forest is bad. Uncontrolled or wildfire can cause damage in the forest. But fire in the hands of a skilled professional can be a very effective natural resource management tool.

“Prescribed burning does create smoke. But burning under good smoke dispersal conditions will reduce the chances of smoke-related problems.”

Tips for driving in smoke

n Slow down

n Use windshield wipers in heavy fog.

n Turn on your low-beam headlights.

n If the fog or smoke becomes so thick that you cannot see well enough to keep driving, pull all the way off the pavement and stop. Turn on your emergency flashers.

n The space between your vehicle and the roadway should be sufficient so that you can safely exit the vehicle without obstructing traffic.

n Report the hazard to 911 so that steps can be taken to warn other motorists.

Source- S.C. Forestry Commission, http://fws.gov/okefenokee/

By Kelly M. Fuller

kfuller@gtowntimes.com