Fire scheduled at Southeast Metropolitan Park today

Be not afraid (but be careful) of smoke near Southeast Metropolitan Park today. Travis County Parks will be conducting a prescribed burn at the park between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. that will take up to four hours to complete. The burn, which is done in cooperation with the Fire Department, is designed to reduce wildfire danger and bolster the park’s ecosystem by removing debris and invasive shrubs and creating a space where the health and diversity of native species can thrive. According to a press release from the county, north winds are expected tomorrow and those winds may carry smoke across Highway 71 to the south, but its impacts “are expected to be relatively light.” The park will remain open.