The Slaughter Creek Trail will be closed to the public Wednesday while Austin Water Utility's Wildland Conservation conducts prescribed burns on 53 acres of water quality protection lands, according to a statement released by the agency.

Controlled burns maintain fire-resilient landscapes by intentionally mimicking the natural fire cycle. Smoke may be visible south of Slaughter Lane, east of FM 1826, north of SH 45 and west of MoPac from 10 a.m. to sunset, the statement said.

For at least a week following the fire, the burned area will be patrolled. The burn will be rescheduled if weather conditions prove unsuitable. For updates on the burn, visit Austin Water's Facebook or Twitter.