CLEAR LAKE – If you’re seeing black smoke plummet the air in Clear Lake near Sylvan Rodriguez Park, don’t be frightened!
The Houston Fire Department and the Houston Parks & Recreation Department (HPARD) are conducting a prescribed fire at Sylvan Rodriguez Park to help prevent wildfires this summer.
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“A proactive approach like this one helps us minimize the risk of a wildland fire in our area, as well as the impact it would have on the community and environment,” said Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz. “The HFD Wildland Firefighters Group, in collaboration with our valuable safety partners, will help to ensure this is carefully controlled, creating a safer environment for us and wildlife in the park.”
The fires began burning at noon and will continue through the afternoon.
During the burning period, HFD is warning nearby residents or drivers that they will see smoke in the air, so if possible, refrain from contacting the police department about it.
Drivers are being asked to reduce their speed, use headlights when smoke is present, and always pay attention to posted reduced speed limits. Nearby roadways and trails should have posted signs that indicate a “prescribed fire ahead.”
“HFD’s wildland firefighters will be performing and overseeing the entire prescribed fire to establish continuity and the swift mitigation of potential life safety hazards. HFD will also be coordinating with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and the Houston Health Department to establish clean air (atmospheric) monitoring during the prescribed fire. This park has undergone several previous controlled burns to minimize the risk of fire,” the news release read, in part.