Controlled Burn Planned Next Week For City Of Frederick Watershed

Officials says the burn will allow for a new stand of pitch pine to grow.

 

Frederick, Md (KM) If you see any smoke on Catoctin Mountain next week, it’s not a forest fire. A controlled burned will be taking place between October 28th and November 8th on the City of Frederick Watershed along Catoctin Park Road.

Officials say the purpose will be to restore a stand of pitch pine that’s about 90-years old which have reached the end of their life span. The flames will open up the pine cones which provide food for wildlife, and a help a new generation of seedlings to grow.

The fire will create smoke on Catoctin Mountain, but the City says it will be a low, controlled flame.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will be directing the burn, and trucks will be present to draw water from a nearby fire pond. There will also be equipment to help enlarge fire lines, if necessary. There are no homes or other structures nearby. .

Gambrill Park Road near Fishing Creek Road will be closed during the burn. All trails in the northeast section of the watershed will also be closed.

The City says  the  prescribed burns will only take place if weather conditions are favorable during that two-week window.

 

By Kevin McManus