Smoke in Virginia Beach on Monday came from wildlife refuge’s controlled burn

Virginia Beach, Va. - The smoke cloud seen rising over southern Virginia Beach on Monday was from a controlled burn taking place at the Mackay Island Wildlife Refuge in Knotts Island, North Carolina.

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, prescribed burns are used on the refuge for vegetation management. They help improve animal habitats, recycle nutrients, and prevent potential wildfires.