Controlled burn to take place Sunday in Manchester

The smoke in the sky over South Brunswick and Manchester  is nothing to worry about, according to fire officials.

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service is doing a controlled grass burn between noon and 5 p.m. at the D+R Canal Park off Route 27 on the border of Princeton. Police said smoke from the controlled burn may be visible in parts South Brunswick as well as Princeton, Plainsboro and Franklin. A controlled burn is also scheduled for the Greenwood Forest Area in Whiting along Route 539.

A similar burn in Manchester on Saturday caused a burning smell around Ocean County.

The controlled burns are part of effort to reduce the risk of wildfires during the prime season in springs and summer by eliminating undergrowth, fallen branches and downed trees They will also use insect and disease treatments, habitat restoration and management plans to maintain forest health.

Members of the Forest Fire Service will be present all day to monitor the burn.