DEM plans controlled burns to reduce risk of wildfires in Rhode Island

EXETER, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Management (DEM) is planning controlled burns across the state to help reduce the risk of wildfires during the spring fire season.

The DEM said on Tuesday it planned on conducting a low-severity prescribed burn on Thursday at Pratt Farm, located on the Exeter-Richmond line.

Officials said residents should not be concerned if they see fire or smell smoke in the area during the time of the burn but advised the public not to approach the area.

DEM officials announced back on Feb. 7 that they would be conducting prescribed burns across state lands in Exeter, West Greenwich, Coventry, Richmond, and South Kingstown from late winter to early spring.

Prescribed, or controlled, burning is a versatile tool used for maintaining habitat diversity and protecting communities from extreme fires by reducing hazardous natural fuels, according to officials.

“It takes repeated implementation of prescribed fire treatments to fully restore fire adapted ecosystems,” said DEM Forest Fire Program Manager Pat MacMeekin. “Although the goals of each prescribed fire project are unique to each individual property, the common goals are to reduce hazardous fuels, promote native plant species and wildlife habitat, and to train firefighters in wildfire response.”

DEM officials reported 78 wildfires encompassing 582 acres in 2023, including the Congdon Mill fire in West Greenwich that covered nearly 196 acres and the Queen’s River fire in Exeter that burnt 286 acres.

Officials added that wildfires are expected to become more frequent in Southern New England due to climate change.