Prescribed Fire Scheduled for Prince William Forest Park

News Release Date:
March 13, 2023

Contact:Gregg Kneipp

The National Park Service is planning on conducting a prescribed fire in Prince William Forest Park on March 16, 2023 or sometime during the weeks before March 31st, depending on weather conditions. The prescribed fire will consist of burning two sections of forest near the Oak Ridge Campground, approximately 105 acres. Park roads and trails will be closed as needed to provide for the safety of the public and the firefighters. Portions of Scenic Drive, Oak Ridge Trail and Old Blacktop Road will be closed during the burn, and some smoke is expected to be visible in the northern part of the park.

This prescribed burn is being conducted to reduce understory fuels, to reduce the severity of possible future wildland fires, restore the historic role of fire in the ecosystem and, reduce hazard fuels in the burn area. The overall goal is to restore ecological processes in the park and reduce hazard fuels. Prescribed burns are only conducted when weather and fuel conditions are ideal and are carefully controlled.

The park will have no fewer than twelve certified fire fighters on hand to ensure that the fire is conducted safely and without incident. The fire is expected to last no longer than 12 hours, for two or three days. For additional information, contact the Gregg Kneipp at 703-221-4706.

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