McKinney FD to conduct prescribed burn at Heard Natural Science Museum on Jan. 6

The McKinney Fire Department is conducting a prescribed burn at the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary in January, according to a news release.

What’s happening?

Public Information Officer Luis Aguilar said the burn is expected to start at 1 p.m. and last until 5 p.m. The prescribed burn will cover about 10 acres of land near the museum, according to the news release. Fire department officials will be on site to closely monitor the prescribed burn to ensure safety.

“Smoke may be visible in or around the Heard Museum during the burn but there is no need to call 9-1-1 to report it,” the news release states.

More information

Prescribed burns help maintain the land’s ecosystem by “restoring native grasslands and reducing invasive species,” according to the news release. Prescribed burns also provide hands-on training for firefighters in a controlled environment.

Heard Natural Science Museum’s hours of operation will not be affected by the prescribed burn, said Stephanie Jennings, marketing and communications director. Some trails such as the Bluestem, Wood Duck and Cedar Brake won’t be accessible after noon, but the museum building will remain open as usual, she said.