Multiple Prescribed Burns Continue Cycle of Regrowth Across The Island.
Flames leap up in Katama with Slough Farm in the background.
Flames leap up in Katama with Slough Farm in the background.
Taking a break from the exhausting work.
Taking a break from the exhausting work.
David Printiss of The Nature Conservancy watching over the progress.
David Printiss of The Nature Conservancy watching over the progress.
Heat waves obscure the scene in Katama.
Heat waves obscure the scene in Katama.
David Printiss of The Nature Conservancy checking notes.
David Printiss of The Nature Conservancy checking notes.
A firefighter examines the burned area.
A firefighter examines the burned area.
Waiting and watching while the fire line advances slowly.
Waiting and watching while the fire line advances slowly.
The hose is always waiting close by.
The hose is always waiting close by.
The drip torch near the fire line.
The drip torch near the fire line.
The fire line advances through the field.
The fire line advances through the field.
Many vigilant eyes are required for safety.
Many vigilant eyes are required for safety.
Mike Whittemore of The Nature Conservancy assists along the line
Mike Whittemore of The Nature Conservancy assists along the line
Fire burns the predominant grasses, making way for more diverse native species.
Fire burns the predominant grasses, making way for more diverse native species.
The fire line moves forward in orderly fashion.
The fire line moves forward in orderly fashion.
The fire line is directed around the corner to advance along the northern edge of the field.
The fire line is directed around the corner to advance along the northern edge of the field.
Mike Whittemore watches the progress from a distance.
Mike Whittemore watches the progress from a distance.
Professionals from a range of agencies were present.
Professionals from a range of agencies were present.
The blackened remains.
The blackened remains.
The Martha’s Vineyard Prescribed Fire Partnership held a controlled burn in Katama this week. Controlled burns are used to reduce the amount of fuel for wildfires, and to help to restore the health of plants and natural areas.