Over the next two weeks, smoke may rise at times around the intersection of Francis and Cogburn roads – the result of a permitted controlled open burn using what’s called an air curtain destructor.

The burn will occur on 21.493 acres where a future large-lot neighborhood (meaning each parcel is at least 3 acres in size) is being planned. While the air curtain destructor will be set up near the rear of the parcel far from either road, people may still notice smoke, especially in the morning.

This should start Monday, extending no later than sunset on Friday, March 14 (as it may end earlier). This burn is permitted by Milton Fire-Rescue, though it cannot happen at night, on Sundays, if it’s raining, or if the smoke’s opacity is greater than or equal to 40 percent. It's also not allowed if there is abnormally high air pollution in a given place and time.

Air curtain destructor are designed to control and minimize the effects, including smoke, from such burns. They are commonly used, including here in Milton, as long as permission is granted by local authorities – in this case, the Milton Fire-Rescue Department.

If you have questions or thoughts, please contact the Milton Fire Marshal’s office at fire.marshal@miltonga.gov.