BEXAR COUNTY, Texas – If you see or smell smoke this month, particularly in north Bexar County, it’s probably because of prescribed burns at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis.
KEY POINTS:
- Officials will occasionally conduct prescribed burns from Monday, Feb. 9, through Sunday, Feb. 22
- Burns are intended to reduce the risk of a major wildfire by removing dead vegetation and thick brush
- Each day, personnel check with local fire departments and the weather forecast before starting a burn
- You may see or smell smoke, with a slight dip in air quality possible
“JBSA-Camp Bullis comprises more than 27,000 acres of ranges, training areas and wildlands on San Antonio’s north side and is a crucial training location for service members from Joint Base San Antonio,” according to the U.S. Air Force.
Over 27,000 acres, which is a LOT of land. Dead vegetation and thick brushland can become fuel for potentially devastating wildfires. It’s crucial that this land be maintained through controlled burns to prevent an out-of-control wildfire.
And JBSA Camp Bullis has seen out-of-control wildfires before. Many of us remember the 2,500+ acre brushfire of April 2022. These flames were started during a training exercise, however, not a prescribed burn.
IN PHOTOS: Brush fire at JBSA-Camp Bullis burns through 2,800 acres
If you’re concerned about these controlled burns, JBSA-Camp Bullis officials say they are “coordinating with local fire departments to ensure each burn happens safely and remains fully contained throughout the scheduled period. Additionally, crews will evaluate weather conditions before starting the burn each day.”
Your Weather Authority will also keep you posted on any fire danger concerns that pop up in the forecast.
If you see smoke, make sure to snap a picture and post it to KSAT Connect.
- Read more from the meteorologists on the Whatever the Weather page
- Download KSAT’s weather app for customized, accurate forecasts in San Antonio, South Texas or wherever you are
- Find the latest forecasts, radar and alerts on the KSAT Weather Authority page