WARREN — With Spring comes the ideal weather conditions for conducting prescribed burning. Residents in and around the Allegheny National Forest may see fire across the north and western landscapes of the forest. Prescribed fire has many benefits including the regeneration of healthy forests, retaining a diversity of tree and plant species, and enhancing wildlife habitat.

Fire was used historically in Pennsylvania and the state’s forests have changed a lot over the last century because of a lack of fire. By bringing fire back to the Allegheny National Forest, it will:

· Encourage the growth of a diverse array of plant life, including sun-loving plants, and grasses.

· Ensure oak forest types persist on the landscape in north-eastern forests. Oaks and other hardwood species provide food for many species of animals. Using fire to bring light into the forests helps oaks and hardwoods get established and grow. Without fire, shade-tolerant species will take over and eventually replace oak and hardwoods as the dominant species in the forest.

· Protect human property by reducing the amount of fuels in the forest. That way if a wildfire happens, it would be less intense, and potentially easier to control.

· Help control non-native invasive plant species.

· Suppress ticks, which often carry pathogens such as the one that causes Lyme disease.

· Aesthetically improve the landscape along recreational corridors.

Prescribed fire is a planned fire that is overseen and controlled by professionals. It is performed under specific weather conditions and is designed to mimic fire that historically occurred on the forest.

The size of each prescribed burn varies but people located near the burn may notice smoke during and after the burn. The Forest Service monitors smoke generated during prescribed burns and the air quality as a result of the smoke. On most burns, members of the public can expect smoke to be visible in mid-afternoon and dissipate within a few hours.