The Atlantic County Division of Parks and Recreation will assist the New Jersey State Forest Fire Service during a 70-acre controlled burn March 3 at two locations in the county park at Estell Manor.

The controlled burn is contingent upon weather conditions because the fire service requires three consecutive days of dry weather before it can conduct a controlled burn. Wind conditions are also a factor.

Controlled burns help eliminate underbrush and leaf litter that can fuel fires and serve to stimulate new forest growth. They are one of several measures the Division of Parks and Recreation employs to prevent fires.

The division also promotes fire safety education and encourages residents to visit www.firewise.org to learn more.

For information about controlled burns, contact Clayton Ingersoll, Atlantic County Division of Parks and Recreation at (609) 625-8219.