Buzzard Swamp Prescribed Fire

Contact(s): Christopher Leeser

Allegheny National Forest Uses Fire to Benefit People and Wildlife

Warren, PA, April 7, 2021-The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, will conduct a prescribed fire (also called a prescribed burn) at Buzzard Swamp on Thursday, April 8, 2021. Fire staff will treat two units of warm-season grasses, totaling 55 acres, with prescribed fire to enhance the habitat benefits for wildlife.

Ignition is planned to occur by 10:00 a.m. and the burn should be complete by 4:30 p.m., the same day. You may see smoke rising from the area for short periods during the burn. The main portion of Buzzard Swamp will be closed for public safety and should re-open for public use on Friday, April 9, 2021. Fire staff will patrol the area on Friday to ensure conditions are safe.

Prescribed fires are conducted with the safety of the public and firefighters as the highest priority. A prescribed fire will only occur after a prescribed fire burn plan has been approved, qualified and properly equipped personnel are available and appropriate environmental parameters are met. The plans take into consideration ecological concerns and abide by agency policies.

Projects are implemented only when the prescribed parameters, including wind speed and direction, relative humidity, temperature, fire danger, seasonal restrictions and mitigation of potential smoke impacts are met.

The Forest Service utilizes prescribed burning as a tool to enhance the regeneration of healthy forests, retain the diversity of tree and plant species, and enhance wildlife habitat. Prescribed burning can also be used to reduce hazardous fuels, such as the buildup of fire-prone vegetation, in a forest or grassland environment.