The Martha’s Vineyard Prescribed Fire Partnership plans to conduct controlled burns today, Friday, April 8, at the Polly Hill Arboretum in West Tisbury and the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife property in Edgartown, west of Katama Airpark along Herring Creek Road.

Smoke may be visible Friday morning west of State Road, between North Road and Panhandle Road. In the afternoon, smoke may be visible above Katama. The odor of smoke may be temporarily noticeable as far as Edgartown center.

A trained and experienced fire team will closely monitor conditions and make adjustments in the schedule as needed to ensure the safety of both crew members and residents. Controlled burns, used to reduce the amount of fuel for wild fires, are carefully managed.