News Release

Congaree National Park Conducting Prescribed Burn March 2023

Wildland fire staff use fire to help with hazard fuel reduction and habitat restoration in one of the park's established burn units in the upland areas of Congaree National Park.

NPS Photo

News Release Date: March 4, 2023

Contact: Jon Manchester, 803-647-3964

Hopkins, SC - Park rangers from Congaree National Park, along with staff from Kings Mountain National Military Park, Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park, Carl Sandburg National Historic Site, and the SC Forestry Commission, are hoping to conduct a prescribed burn between Wednesday, March 8 and Friday March 10, weather and conditions permitting. The fire will be conducted in the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker (RCW) and Harry Hampton West Units and will encompass approximately 300 acres. Originally planned for last November, the park was unable to conduct fire operations at that time due to conditions becoming unfavorable during the forecast window, leading to its cancellation. The intended goal of this prescribed fire is to help with fuel reduction and habitat restoration, in accordance with the park’s fire management plan.

Precautions have been taken to minimize impacts and ensure the safety of park visitors and park neighbors. The Bluff Campground will be closed during the burn, as well as portions of the Bluff Trail and Firefly Trail. Additionally, smoke may be seen for several miles and may drift over nearby roads and trails. Drivers should use caution as fire crews and equipment will be operating along the park entrance road and other nearby roads. Recreational access to other park trails, including the Boardwalk, and facilities will remain open. The Longleaf Campground will not be closed during this time.

Additional details and updates will be posted on the park’s website www.nps.gov/cong and social media channels.www.nps.gov