From staff reports
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, will conduct a prescribed fire today at Allegheny National Forest’s Buzzard Swamp.
Fire staff will treat two units of warm-season grasses, totaling 55 acres, with prescribed fire to enhance the habitat benefits for wildlife, according to a department news release.
Ignition is planned to occur by 10 a.m. and the burn should be complete by 4:30 p.m.
The main portion of Buzzard Swamp will be closed for public safety and should reopen for public use on Friday. Fire staff will patrol the area on Friday to ensure conditions are safe.
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 also can be used to reduce hazardous fuels, such as the buildup of fire-prone vegetation, in a forest or grassland environment.