Prescribed Burn To Take Place At Catoctin Mountain Park

The Park Service says it will take place sometime in March or April, weather permitting.Thurmont, Md (KM) A prescribed burn is expected to take place at Catoctin Mountain Park sometime between March 25th and April 30th weather permitting. The National Park Services says plans are to burn approximately 20 acres of forest near Chimney Rock.Officials say the exact date has not yet been finalized. When that happens, it will be posted on social media and the park’s website.Park  officials say the prescribed burn will be ignited by fire managers under a pre-determined set of conditions, such as temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, wind direction, fuel moisture and resources availability. it will be conducted under the guidance and direction of trained and experienced Park Service personnel, according to a news release from Catoctin Mountain Park.Fire managers anticipate the prescribed burn will take one day to complete.The Park Service says on the day of the burn, smoke may be visible in and around the Thurmont area. Motorists driving in that area should slow down, and make sure their vehicle’s headlights are on.All park facilities will remain open on the day of . the prescribed burn, but access to Chimney Rock will be restricted.  Park Service officials  say closure signs will be placed at both ends of the closed trail.By Kevin McManus