LA MARQUE – Officials are advising residents that smoke may be visible along I-45 South and FM 2004 on Monday afternoon as part of a planned wildfire training exercise and prescribed burn.

The La Marque Fire Department will lead the operation from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on February 23 at the UH Coastal Center, 5721 FM 2004. The prescribed burn is scheduled between noon and 2 p.m. Media interviews with Fire Marshal Brennan Briggs are set for 11:10 a.m.

Fire officials say the burn is controlled and professionally managed, and is not an emergency. Smoke may be visible for several hours depending on weather conditions. Controlled fire activity will remain within the UH Coastal Center property, and officials say no flames will be visible from roadways. Temporary, localized changes in air quality are possible near the site.

The burn was originally planned for Mac McGaffey Highland Bayou Park but was relocated to the UH Coastal Center due to environmental considerations. Weather, wind direction, humidity and smoke drift will be monitored throughout the operation.

Fire Marshal Brennan Briggs said prescribed fire is used for hazard reduction and habitat improvement for native plants and wildlife. He said it can help eradicate invasive species without the use of heavy machinery.

Fire departments from La Marque, Eastex, Dickinson, Webster, League City, Galveston, Fresno and Santa Fe are expected to participate in the regional training. The exercise will focus on wildland fire suppression techniques, fire behavior in grass and prairie environments, interagency communication and safety procedures during live-fire operations.

Officials say the training is intended to strengthen response capabilities as grass fires remain a seasonal risk across Southeast Texas.

Photo: KGTX7