RIDEM plans controlled burn in Richmond

RICHMOND, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management plans to conduct a controlled burn Tuesday in Richmond.

Officials said DEM’s Forest Fire Program will conduct a low-severity prescribed burn at Carolina Management Area, adding there is no need for residents to contact emergency services if they see fire or smell smoke in the area.

The public is advised not to approach the area to avoid distracting fire crews on-scene.

The controlled burn is part of a series of burns across the state to help reduce the risk of wildfires during the spring fire season.

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 used for maintaining habitat diversity and protecting communities from extreme fires by reducing hazardous natural fuels, according to the department.

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.