NEW KENT COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — The controlled turf burn at the Colonial Downs racetrack in New Kent is set to begin this afternoon after previously being postponed twice.
The burn was originally scheduled for March 4 but had to be moved multiple times due to weather concerns. It will take place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, March 18, though the event is not open to the public. Those in the nearby area may see smoke during this time.
StormTracker8 Chief Meteorologist John Bernier said the wind today is more favorable than it is expected to be later in the week. However, he did note that the low humidity could be a concern and precautions would need to be taken.
According to a release from Colonial Downs, the New Kent Fire Department will have brush trucks on site and a crew will be available should the fire spread beyond its planned boundaries.
The burn is held annually ahead of the racing season. Burning away the dead “cover” turf on the 12-mile-long dirt racing track — the widest one in North America — allows it to grow back even healthier than it would if it only received standard lawn care, according to the release.
