DAYTON, Va. (ROCKTOWN NOW) – Folks traveling around the Dayton area and parts of Harrisonburg could see an increase in smoke on Monday, April 8.

The Virginia Forest Service will conduct a prescribed burn covering just over 1,300 acres in the Gauley Ridge area of Dayton.

The burn is planned only for Monday afternoon, weather permitting. However, Harrisonburg and Rockingham County residents could see or smell smoke throughout the week.

The burn will help reduce hazardous fuels and restore wildlife habitats to improve overall forest health.

Gauley Ridge Trail and Gauley Ridge Road will be closed for travel today.