Monongahela National Forest staff plan to conduct prescribed fires in Greenbrier, Pocahontas, and Tucker counties this spring, weather permitting. These treatments will help re-establish fire’s natural role in the forest ecosystem, improve forest health and wildlife habitat, and reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfires.
Prescribed fires planned for the north zone of the national forest include:
- Upper Greenbrier North, 514 acres, Pocahontas County
- Nursery Bottom, 54 acres, Tucker County
Prescribed fires planned for the south zone of the national forest include:
- Middle Mountain, 416 acres, Pocahontas County
- Brushy Mountain Units 1, 3 and 5, 384 acres, Greenbrier County
- Each prescribed fire area will be closed to the public on the day of ignitions and may be closed for several days after to ensure public safety. Signs will be posted on roads near all prescribed fire areas before and during burning. Residents and visitors may see and smell smoke for several days. If you encounter smoke on the highway, slow down, turn on your vehicle’s lights and drive appropriately for the conditions.
Prescribed fires are conducted under specific weather conditions and are designed to accomplish pre-determined forest management goals. Monongahela National Forest follows strict guidelines for conducting prescribed fires, and takes into consideration environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, smoke dispersion and wind. If any environmental conditions are not within limits, the burn will be postponed.
County emergency operations centers and local radio stations will be notified when burning begins. Information will also be posted at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/ and https://www.facebook.com/MonongahelaNF.
