Dozens of acres of grasslands on the East End were deliberately set on fire Saturday in an effort to prevent fierce wildfires. The state Department of Environmental Conservation conducted a prescribed burn west of Line Road and south of Grumman Boulevard. The DEC wants to prevent raging wildfires, such as the one that scorched Suffolk's Pine Barrens in 1995.

The dry winter left the grasslands dry and perfect tinder for wildfires. State Forest Ranger Bryan Gallagher says by reducing the fuels under controlled circumstances, it lessens the risk of a devastating fire. Gallagher says the prescribed burns actually result in a 60 percent reduction in fire behavior.

Prescribed burns also help restore grassland habitat for certain animals, such as blue birds, grasshopper sparrows and short-eared owls. If the grasslands become forested, it destroys their habitat.

About 30 acres of grasslands are being burned this weekend. The DEC says it not only helps the environment, but gives excellent training for fire crews. Earlier this year, the DEC and the Nature Conservancy conducted two prescribed burns covering about 13 acres.