Location: The 1,150-acre burn is located approximately 5 miles East of Iron Gate, in Alleghany County, Va.
Date and Time: The George Washington and Jefferson National Forest plans to begin ignitions on the Tri-County prescribed burn unit on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, and will continue ignitions on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, if weather conditions are favorable. The ignition phase of the project will be performed over a 2-day period, however, residents and Forest visitors may see and smell smoke from this prescribed burn for several days.
Objective: This prescribed burn helps reduce the risk of uncontrolled wildfires by reducing the buildup of dried leaves and wood in nearby forest land. This burn will improve wildlife habitat by restoring open woodlands and grasslands to the forest landscape. Forest Service fire specialists are working in partnership with The Nature Conservancy, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Virginia Department of Forestry, and Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources to complete this burn.
Temporary Closures: Portions of Blue Suck Run and North Mountain trails inside the project area and Forest Road 271 (Tri County Road) will be temporarily closed. For your safety, please follow posted signs and comply with road closures when they occur.
Smoke Information: Smoke may be visible along Interstate 64 for the duration of the burn. If you encounter smoke on the highway, slow down, turn on your vehicle’s lights, and drive appropriately for the conditions.
For more information on our prescribed burn program, please contact the James River and Warm Springs Ranger District at (540) 839-2521, visit the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest website, or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
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