ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, VA (Rocktown Now) — USDA Forest Service federal fire management specialists are conducting a prescribed burn on 1,546 acres today, at Hone Quarry in Rockingham County, George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, North River Ranger District.

Prescribed burns are low-intensity fires, ignited by trained personnel, to remove excess vegetation and dead wood that would enable wildfires to burn hotter and longer.

During today’s prescribed burn, Virginia State Road (VA) 924, Star Road 257, VA 42 and 250, Coal Road, Tillman Road, West Virginia County Road (WV CR) 61, WV CR24 and 25 form the burn boundary should be traveled with caution.

The following roads and trails will be closed during the prescribed burn operation: Forest Service Road 85 from Briery Branch Gap to Brothers Knob 85A/85-4 intersections. Trail closures: 435, 435B, 430, 435A, 428, 428A, 428B, and 429 and the entire Hone Quarry Reservoir.

You may notice Forest Service fire crews and equipment. Smoke impacts will affect Hone Quarry and Briery Branch Reservoirs, Hone Quarry campground, Virginia State Road 924, VA SR 250, VA SR 42, VA SR 257, VA Hwy 33, Tillman Road, Coal Road, West Virginia HWY33, WV CR 61, WV CR 25, WV CR 24, WV CR 21.

Some smoke will settle around the general area of the burn. If encountering smoke on roadways; please slow down, turn on your low-beam headlights and use caution when encountering prescribed burning operations and smoke.

Prescribed fire plays an important role in the health of forest ecosystems. Applying prescribed fire on the land at the right place, at the right time, under the right conditions benefits the land and the surrounding communities. If you have any questions, please contact the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest at 540-984-4101.