Academy to conduct controlled burn May 14 Published May 14, 2013 U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- A closely coordinated prescribed burn is scheduled here May 14 to protect a state-protected species of plant known as plains ironweed. The burn will clear out up to one half of an acre of Smooth Brome, a grass competing with Iron Weed, growing just northeast of the 10th Medical Group clinic. "A prescribed burn is a controlled burn designed to meet a specific objective," said Diane Strohm, a natural resource manager at the Academy. "In this case, the objective is to enhance a rare plant population, one of only two known populations of this plant in the state." The burn has been coordinated between the Academy's 10th Civil Engineer Squadron, its fire department and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It will last a few hours, and firefighters will ensure no threat to surrounding areas and a safe route for drivers.