Residents and travelers may see or smell smoke
Media Release from the USDA Forest Service
The Forest Service will begin conducting spring season prescribed burns on the North Zone (Page, Warren and Bath Counties), beginning Monday, February 24.
Prescribed burns improve wildlife habitat by restoring open woodlands and grasslands to the forest landscape.
Safety is the Forest Service’s top priority, and Forest Service fire managers will conduct prescribed burns in the following areas only under appropriate weather conditions:
The 86-acre Seakford Fields (Indian Graves) prescribed burn will be in the Lee Ranger District near Bentonville, with possible smoke impacts to County Rd 717 and HWY 340.
The 41-acre Moody Fields prescribed burn will be in the Lee Ranger District near the communities of Bentonville and Luray,. There will be possible smoke impacts to SR 684, SR 717 and HWY 340.
The 301-acre Wallace prescribed burn will be in both North River and James River Warm Springs District located near the community of Williamsville, in Bath County.
There will be no scheduled closures during these burns; however, for the public’s safety, please follow posted signs.
Depending on the wind direction, residents and travelers in these areas may see or smell smoke.
Experienced fire managers will closely monitor local weather conditions, such as wind and humidity, an adjust the schedule as needed to ensure the safety of both crewmembers and residents.
Prior to lighting the burn, crews construct and designate firebreaks to ensure the fire does not leave the burn area.
The burn will mimic historic natural fire as much as possible and will remain on the forest floor.