USDA Forest Service federal fire management specialists are conducting a prescribed burn on 1,498 acres today and tomorrow at Huff Hollow, George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, Mount Rogers Recreation Area. 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.
The public may notice Forest Service fire crews and equipment along in the vicinity of the prescribed burn.Forest Service Roads %3AFSR%3A 614,618 and 878 will be closed. FSR 880, and 222 will be impacted and drivers should avoid the area.
Smoke impacts will affect the towns of Burkes Garden and Ceres with wind direction coming from the Northeast. 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 540-984-4101.