ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A controlled burn planned near Aston Park on Wednesday has been postponed, the Asheville Fire Department said. A new date has not been set.

Fire officials said they will provide at least 48 hours’ notice to nearby residents, businesses and local media once the burn is rescheduled. Alerts will be issued through the city’s AVL Alerts system.

The burn is part of an effort to maintain meadow and pollinator habitats in and around Aston Park, officials said. Controlled burns help reduce built-up vegetation that can fuel wildfires, prevent woody plants from overtaking meadows, promote native plant and wildflower growth, improve soil health and support pollinator species. The exercise also provides a training opportunity for firefighters.

When the burn does take place, officials say residents may notice a short period of visible smoke. The department has developed a smoke management plan and will only move forward when weather and safety conditions allow.

Temporary safety perimeters and public access restrictions will be in place during the operation, and some areas of the park or nearby trails may be closed.

After the burn, staff will monitor the site to track plant regeneration, check for invasive species and evaluate overall habitat recovery.