TULSA, Okla. — Smoke is in the air along the roads and outside of Tulsa.
It's from prescribed burns. Farmers use the method to help fields grow, mainly in February and March.
Charlie Coblentz is a dairy farmer in Chouteau. He told 2 News it has an effect that people would not expect. "It should have the opposite effect on your grass, but it's actually good for your grass if done at the right time," Coblentz said.
Coblentz said it's a great technique for improving crops.
"The grass is actually more powerful. It has more nutrients in it," Coblentz said,
Coblentz said his neighbor's farm burned grass just nine days ago, and it's already growing back fast.
John Weir is a Fire Economist at the Oklahoma State University. He said farmers use it for more than one purpose.
"To get rid of and manage eastern red cedar that's invading most of our forest lands, range lands, and prairies throughout the state," said Weir.
Weir said the community won't notice too much smoke in the spring. "Typically, here in Oklahoma, the smoke goes away pretty quick. We typically have enough winds to keep that moving," Weir said.
Even if people do, Coblentz wants people to know these prescription burns are under control.
"Most of the time around here, they're organized and controlled, so maybe go look before calling 911," said Coblentz.
To learn more about prescribed fires from OSU, click here.
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