The gist
The Georgetown Fire Department will collaborate with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to conduct a series of prescribed burns around the lake, according to a city news release.
During the burns, trails and parks near the lake will be closed. Additionally, large clouds of smoke may affect air quality in the surrounding area.
The city will notify residents about burns and closures through the fire department’s Facebook page and Warn Central Texas. City officials encourage residents to sign up for Warn Central Texas’ mobile alerts and to monitor local air quality.
The cause
Burns are being conducted to reduce Ashe juniper tree growth in the parks, encouraging native biodiversity and reducing the risk and potential intensity of wildfires.
A wildfire burned approximately 450 acres near Lake Georgetown in July 2022, according to previous reporting by Community Impact.
