Smoke is rising from Gulf State Park for the second time in as many weeks, but this time is not because of a wildfire.

Gulf Shores crews are assisting Alabama State Parks and the Alabama Forestry Commission in conducting a controlled burn today, April 1, to create a buffer and prevent further spread of last week’s fire, according to a Facebook post from the city.

“Firefighters are lighting a ‘backburn’ to the south. This intentionally removes excess vegetation (fuel) so the original fire has nowhere left to go,” the post says.

Operations are concentrated in the red-marked zone on the map, beside State Park Road (SR 135).

“You will see significant smoke rising from the park today, but don't be alarmed,” the post says. “If you are traveling near the park, please use caution. Smoke can settle across roadways, reducing visibility unexpectedly. As always, if you do see something concerning, call 911.”

Gulf State Park posted that State Park Road is closed.

Last week, a brush fire spread throughout the park near Waterville USA and Fort Morgan Road, causing business evacuations but no structural damage or injuries. Gulf Shores Fire Rescue said about 50 acres burned.

Other media outlets reported that acreage number up to nearly 100, but Fire Chief Mark Sealy told GCM at the time and on April 1 that they calculated around 50 acres.

“We have looked at this several times and we are estimating roughly 50 acres. I am not sure how the 100 acres is being calculated, and I could be incorrect. But we feel pretty good with our calculations,” he said.