COLUMBIA, S.C. — Yes, there is smoke in the air in the Columbia area. It is due to prescribed burns scheduled for this time of year—late winter, early spring—so that undergrowth can be controlled before fire season begins.
A number of organizations plan burns in an attempt to control wildfires that might pop up during drought-prone summer and fall. If the prescribed controlled burn is successful, the probability of a dangerous or destructive fire is greatly reduced.
Fort Jackson is undergoing a series of controlled burns. Officials in charge of scheduling the burns consider the current and forecast weather conditions, including wind direction, to help reduce any potential harmful smoke exposure.
That being said, people who are already dealing with breathing issues due to seasonal allergies are being affected again by the smoke and possible fumes related to these burns.
News19 previously contacted Hector Rodriguez, an allergist at Allergy Partners of the Midlands, for advice on the impact the controlled burns might have on people with allergies and asthma.
"Controlled burns and things like that can release various kinds of chemicals and irritants in the air that will make the airway more sensitive, more hyperactive to where the little muscles that sort of line our lungs can get twitchy and close off and you can have asthma attacks," Rodriguez said.
Some ways to protect yourself during prescribed burns include:
- Avoid breathing smoke if you can help it: use HEPA masks if you have to go outside, make sure your HVAC system has clean filters in the air intake, and limit your activities. If you feel ill as a result of the controlled burns, talk to your healthcare professional.
- Use common sense: if it looks smoky or hazy outside, it's probably not a good time for you or your children to participate in outdoor activities.
- Check out the South Carolina Forestry Commission Prescribed Burn Activity website for active burns in your area of the state.
Scheduled controlled burns in the Columbia area or March 13 and 14:
- On March 13, Fort Jackson, 135 acres in Training Area 13B between Wildcat and Red Diamond roads
- On March 13, the Enoree Ranger District in Newberry County has two prescribed burns: 684 acres near Herbert Road and the Broad River and 186 acres near Highway 176, Molly's Rock Picnic Area.
- On March 14, Congaree National Park, 3.8 acres in the Harry Hampton Southwest Unit, will be closed to foot traffic along the entrance road near the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. Portions of Longleaf and Firefly trails, the picnic shelter, and the first visitor center parking lot will also be closed to foot traffic.
According to the South Carolina Forestry Commission Prescribed Burn Activity website, as of noon on Wednesday, March 13, there were 194 active burns in the state.