PORTLAND - Portland Fire & Rescue started a controlled burn of two acres in the St. Johns area Friday afternoon.
The burn at the Baltimore Woods Natural Area near the corner of North Catlin and Decatur streets was to reduce highly flammable invasive weeds such as Armenian blackberry, reed canary grass and Scot’s Broom that increases the risk of uncontrolled fires, crews said.
Officials say the operation will benefit birds and wildlife, help re-establish native vegetation, improve the park for visitors and provide training for fire crews.
Visitors were encouraged to avoid the area on the day of the burn because of the smoke.
An additional controlled burn was set for Elk Rock Island Natural Area on Monday, September 10.
