News Release

Creating a Healthier Park with Fire

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Igniting the Rx Burn of the Tallgrass Prairie

NPS Photo, M. Brenner

News Release Date: April 4, 2023
Contact: Carl Brenner, 620-223-0310

Park managers at Fort Scott National Historic Site, in coordination with Fire Managers at the US Fish and Wildlife Service from Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge, plan to burn the five-acre restored prairie this April 2023. The soonest date will be this Friday, April 7^th, if conditions are safe and will meet the park’s goals. The specific date and ignition will depend upon weather conditions and the burn may be postponed or canceled if conditions are unfavorable.

"We are looking forward to implementing this prescribed fire (Rx) project with the assistance of our interagency neighbors. Our ability to treat the tallgrass prairie with fire enhances the resilience of the ecosystem, results in a more diverse prairie, and provides a better habitat for migratory birds and pollinators." said Jill Jaworski, Superintendent, Fort Scott National Historic Site. Like all prescribed fires, the plans for the tallgrass prairie Rx contain a set of parameters which define (among other things) the expected weather and fuel conditions under which the fire can be initiated. Prior to implementing the burn, fire managers will evaluate current conditions and will only ignite the fire if all of the prescribed conditions are within those parameters.

During typical Rx fire activity, daytime smoke disperses to the northwest, up and over the highway. Coordination with the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas State Highway Patrol, and Kansas Department of Transportation is already underway for this prescribed fire.  Smoke impacts or traffic delays on Highway 69 are not expected during the burn.

Tags: news, rx burn, fire

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