In spring 2008, there was another kind of fire at the site of Civil War General Robert E. Lee’s first invasion of the North. The National Park Service (NPS) used fire to help restore part of the historic scene at Antietam National Battlefield near Sharpsburg, Maryland. On March 25 and April 3 a total of 32 acres were burned in a prescribed fire at Otto Farm. Antietam is the first park within the NPS National Capital Region to implement a prescribed fire program, which also includes pile burning and mechanical reduction.
The long-term goal for Otto Farm is to maintain the historic landscape of native warm-season grasses on the plateau and some hardwoods in the valley. The prescribed fire burned thatches of dead cool season grasses that had built up and reduced the fuel load along the tour road and trail system. Cedar tree debris piles and some standing cedar also burned.
The first priority of the prescribed fire was safety, and the operations concluded with no injuries. In addition, everyone had a learning experience and several trainees completed specific tasks towards certification. At the end of each day, the firefighters could be honestly proud of their work. This time, fire on the ground at Antietam was not accompanied by bloodshed.
Contact: Barb Stewart, Northeast and National Capital Regions, Fire Communication and Education Specialist
Phone: (434) 220-9065
*This story supports the National Fire Plan |
