(WFXR) — Crews are expected to conduct several prescribed burns around southwest Virginia Tuesday afternoon, including a burn of more than 300 acres in Craig County.
The U.S. Forest Service for the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests says the 302-acre Mill Creek Unit 1 prescribed burn will take place east of Fenwick Mines Recreation Area in Craig County on Tuesday, March 22. While this burn will be completed in one day, firefighters will continue to monitor the area for the next several days.
According to officials, smoke from the burn may be visible in some Craig County and Botetourt County localities, including New Castle, Barbours Creek, and Oriskany. Depending on the wind direction on Tuesday, residents in Oriskany and the Craig Creek Valley along State Route 615 may smell smoke.
In addition, the Botetourt County Department of Fire and EMS says the Virginia Department of Forestry will perform a prescribed burn in a field on top of Brushy Mountain off Narrow Passage around 1 p.m. on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Pulaski County Emergency Management says fire crews will start conducting pile burning at the back of Randolph Park at 4 p.m.
This prescribed burn is expected to be finished by nightfall, but park visitors are asked to keep this in mind as they use the trails or watch the operation.
