Bodie Island Prescribed Burn Begins February 6

Date: February 3, 2012
Contact: Outer Banks Group, 252-473-2111

As part of the Outer Banks Group Fire Management Plan, a prescribed burn will begin today, Friday, February 03, 2012, in the Bodie Island District of Cape Hatteras National Seashore.Weather and conditions permitting, the burn unit will consist of approximately 1,000 acres and is located west of NC Highway 12, from Oregon Inlet north to the Bodie Island Lighthouse area.Park visitors and neighboring communities will see smoke visible in the region of the park.During the operation, for public safety, the Bodie Island Lighthouse Access Road will be temporarily closed and NC Highway 12 will be signed for low visibility if necessary.

The intent of the burn is to reduce fuel loading in the area as well as restore vegetative communities.In order to safely accomplish the burn, mechanical reduction of fuels will be conducted to establish breaks along the access road to the U.S. Coast Guard Station at Oregon Inlet, around the electrical substation, the historic Bodie Island U.S. Life Saving Service Station, and the boardwalk and wildlife viewing platform along the powerlines on the east side of the burn unit.

For more information, call 252-473-2111, ext. 155.