LEWES, Del.- Firefighters from state and local agencies set the burn to control phragmites, a species that harms the habitat for plants and wildlife and nearby homes.
Senior Forester at the Delaware Forest Service Samual Topper says the environmental benefits of clearing the phragmites will help the city in the long-term. "The primary goal is to reduce this fuel load, reduce the chance of a catastrophic wildfire and we are hoping for some supplemental benefits of getting rid of this invasive phragmites and establishing some native vegetation," Topper said. Little by little, firefighters made their way across the area setting up blazes in small sections at a time. The Delaware State Forest Service and local fire departments are teaming up to clear a 48-acre space of this species that is harmful to plants and wildlife. The flames were able to clear the species quite quickly. Lewes Mayor Ted Becker says it takes a skilled staff to complete the burn safely and effectively. Weather plays a big factor in planning something like this. "We're very happy to have the support of the local fire companies from various communities to make it a safe operation," Becker said. "It's a beautiful sunny day to get this done, a little windy but I think with all of the support here we are in good condition and look forward to getting this completed." DNREC's open burn ban goes into affect next week which made getting this done a top priority for the city and the state forest service.