The public is invited next week to learn the difference between a wildfire and a prescribed fire.

The Forsyth County Fire Department and the Georgia Forestry Commission will give presentations about prescribed burning from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at the Forsyth County Public Safety Complex on Settingdown Road.

Fire Capt. Jason Shivers said the sessions will offer information on prescribed burning, its benefits and why and how it is handled.

“[Prescribed burning is] the clearing of land for agricultural purposes and is typically monitored or conducted by the forestry commission,” Shivers said.

The presentations will also cover the history of forest burning and the difference between wildfire and prescribed fire.

Fire Capt. David McWhorter, who is coordinator of the department’s wildland unit, said recent dry conditions have heightened awareness of fire danger.

“It is especially important citizens understand prescribed burning and how it can help prevent wildfires,” he said.

The most recent prescribed burn season ran from November 2009 to April 4. It is expected to resume in the fall.

For more information, call McWhorter at (678) 455-4783.