Single Incident Information

This spring Monongahela National Forest officials plan to conduct a prescribed burn on 557 acres of National Forest System land in the Big Mountain Unit 1 area, west of Cherry Grove in Pendleton County.

Why do we burn?

Reintroducing fire into the forest will:

• Restore historic fire regimes
• Improve wildlife habitat
• Enhance forest structure and age diversity
• Improve oak regeneration
• Control tree diseases and insects
• Reduce hazardous fuel levels

How do we manage a prescribed burn?

Fire managers prepare a burn plan for each prescribed burn describing the appropriate conditions needed to conduct the burn safely and achieve the desired results. Burn plans consider public safety, protection of private property, staffing and equipment needs, temperature, humidity, wind, moisture of the vegetation, and smoke dispersal. Appropriate conditions must be met before igniting prescribed burns. A control line is established around each burn area before ignition, using hand tools and other equipment, roads, trails, and natural features such as creeks and other water sources.

Public Safety

Each burn area will be closed to the public on the day of the burn. The area may be closed for several days for public safety. Signs will be posted along the fire line and at entry points into the area. Area residents and travelers may see or smell smoke during fire operations. If you encounter smoke on the highway, slow down, turn on your vehicle’s lights and drive appropriately for the conditions. 

Public Notification

The Forest Service will notify local 911 centers and radio stations on the day of the burn. Information, maps and the latest updates are available at inciweb.gov. 

Contact

Cheat - Potomac Ranger District at 304-257-4488.