PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management said it will conduct a brush clearing project to reduce the risk of wildfires within the Big River Management Area in Coventry and East Greenwich.

The forest health project will thin dense tree cover and remove brush along two miles of forestland near fire roads to “reduce the risk and wildfire spread, making it easier for first responders to suppress it,” RIDEM said.

Additionally, the amount of brush, shrubs, and dead branches will be reduced to help “reduce a fire’s speed and severity,” RIDEM said.

In 2024, there were 75 wildfires in Rhode Island, with 41 occurring between Oct. 18 and Nov. 19, RIDEM said.

“We have two main goals by taking steps to thin and manage these areas now,” RIDEM Division of Agri

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