The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) Forest Fire Program announced on Apr. 6 that it will begin low-severity prescribed burns on several state lands, with the first burns of 2026 expected to start this week if weather conditions allow.
These planned burns are intended to maintain healthy habitats and reduce hazardous fuels, which helps protect communities from extreme wildfires. The practice is part of DEM’s ongoing efforts to manage land safely and effectively in the face of increased wildfire risk due to climate change.
Prescribed burns are scheduled for parcels at Durfee Hill Management Area in Glocester, Arcadia Management Area in Exeter, Nicholas Farm Management Area in Coventry, Big River Management Area in West Greenwich, Dutch Island in Jamestown, Carolina Management Area in Richmond, and Great Swamp Management Area in South Kingstown. DEM said additional public notice will be provided through social media updates and flyers once a suitable burn window—when fuel moisture and weather align for safe burning—is identified.
According to the official website, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Division of Agriculture and Forest Environment promotes local agriculture and seafood as part of its commitment to community sustainability. The division also aims to sustain and enhance the state’s agricultural sector for future generations while focusing its activities within Rhode Island. It collaborates with partners such as the Center for Mediation and Collaboration for agricultural support initiatives.
The division operates within agriculture and forestry management fields by providing services like product registrations, animal health permits, certifications, marketing efforts, and maintaining tools that promote Rhode Island-grown products according to information from their official website.
In 2025 alone, Rhode Island saw 62 wildfires; DEM conducted 12 prescribed burns covering more than 100 acres during that year as part of ongoing brush-clearing projects designed to reduce wildfire risk. By expanding its use of prescribed fire practices alongside neighboring states’ approaches, DEM aims to strengthen regional ecological restoration efforts and improve climate resilience.
