Fires set in woods, controlled by experts, aid combat training, health of plants, wildlife

FORT BENNING, Ga. – In a March 2004 photo, a member of a Fort Benning prescribed burn crew uses a bulldozer to move a burning dead tree to where it can't spread fire outside the space within which the crew wants to burn. Each year from December through May Fort Benning conducts expertly controlled burns of deadwood and other debris on the forest floor, because it limits interruption of military training and helps Fort Benning's plant and animal life. Before such burns are scheduled, officials here carefully study weather data, including forecasts as to wind direction, and avoid burning at times or places that might lead to smoke carrying to local homes, hospitals, schools, businesses, roadways, or airports.
(U.S. Army photo courtesy of Directorate of Public Works, U.S. Army Garrison Fort Benning)