Natural Bridge Station, Virginia
USDA Forest Service federal fire management specialists are planning to conduct a prescribed burn on 440 acres today in the Cole Mountain area of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, Glenwood Pedlar Ranger District.
Prescribed burns are low-intensity fires, ignited by trained personnel, to remove excess vegetation and dead wood that would enable wildfires to burn hotter and longer.
Today’s prescribed burn is located near Wiggin Springs Road and Hog Camp Gap in Amherst County. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail and Old Hotel Trail #515 will be closed throughout the day.
Smoke may be visible near the towns of Montebello, eight miles from the prescribed burn and Fairfield, 10 miles northwest of the unit. The wind direction will be coming from the south.
Some smoke will settle around the general area of the burn. If encountering smoke on roadways; please slow down, turn on your low-beam headlights and use caution when encountering prescribed burning operations and smoke.
Prescribed fire plays an important role in the health of forest ecosystems. Applying prescribed fire on the land at the right place, at the right time, under the right conditions benefits the land and the surrounding communities. If you have any questions, please contact the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest at 540-291-2188
