The Mecklenburg County Natural Resources staff has just announced that they will be setting the Latta Nature Preserve (on the east side of Mountain Island Lake) on fire today at noon as part of a controlled burn.
The county sent out an alert noting that smoke will be seen around West Charlotte and Huntersville today between 11am and 2pm:
“Mecklenburg County Natural Resources staff are conducting a controlled burn today beginning around 11am at McDowell Nature Preserve. Smoke will affect air quality in the downwind area for 2-3 hours. To reduce your exposure to smoke, stay indoors or avoid areas of heavy smoke.”
According to the Mecklenburg County website, “land managers use controlled burns (also known as prescribed fire) to mimic the natural disturbance caused by the natural fires of years ago. These fires are carefully planned and conducted under specific weather conditions to achieve specific goals. In this way fire can safely be used as a management tool.”