You might notice fire and smoke in parts of our area.
The U.S. Forest Service is conducting prescribed burns in Giles County and Bedford County in an effort to reduce uncontrolled fires and improve wildlife habitats.
Fire specialists began igniting the burns on Sunday, April 24, near Montvale in Bedford County and in the Kelly Flats area of Giles County.
During the fire operation, smoke will be visible in the following areas:
- Parts of the Appalachian Trail
- Big Stoney Creek Road
- Parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway, U.S. Route 11, I-81 and U.S. Route 460
- Parts of Montvale, Buchanan, Bedford, Blue Ridge and Roanoke
Drivers are asked to use caution and to use fog lights if needed when traveling in any of the areas mentioned above.
Forest Service fire specialists are planning to begin a prescribed burn near Montvale in Bedford County, VA on Sunday,...
Posted by U.S. Forest Service - George Washington and Jefferson National Forests on Friday, April 22, 2022
There will also be several temporary road and trail closures, which include:
Sunday, April 24 and Monday, April 25
- Day Creek Trailhead
- Parts of the Glenwood Horse Trail
- Parts of Forest Service Roads Day Creek
- Parts of Black Horse Gap East
Monday, April 25
- Blue Ridge Parkway from the intersection with U.S. Route 460 to the intersection with State Route 43
As the fire continues to burn in both locations, firefighters will be sure to monitor the sites throughout the week.
According to authorities, prescribed burns can have a myriad of positive effects such as increased public safety by reducing the chance of uncontrolled wildfires, restored landscapes and better wildlife habitats.
For more information, visit the inciweb site.