News Release

National Park Service plans first ever prescribed fire at Manassas National Battlefield Park first two weeks of April

Date: April 2, 2018
Contact: Jan Lemons, 202-536-9071

Release Date: April 2, 2018
Contact: Jan Lemmons, e-mail us, 202-536-9071

National Park Service plans first ever prescribed fire at Manassas National Battlefield Park first two weeks of April
 
Manassas, Va.  – Manassas National Battlefield Park is preparing for a prescribed fire between April 3-13. The planned fire will be adjacent to the eastern edge of the Brawner Farm area and will cover up to 45 acres of open fields and scrub. This will be the first prescribed fire at the park.
 
Public and Firefighter safety are of utmost importance. Many factors must be in place to conduct a prescribed fire including optimal weather conditions and firefighting resources.
 
“This is a great opportunity to restore a significant segment of the battlefield back to its appearance during the Civil War. Through the use of prescribed fire, native grasses will flourish, and soon visitors will experience the battlefield landscape like it has not been seen in over a century,” Manassas National Battlefield Park Superintendent Brandon Bies said. “Safety is our top priority and we will only conduct the planned burn if conditions are appropriate.”
 
The timing of the prescribed fire is dependent on weather conditions being within required wind, temperature and relative humidity parameters. Wildland fire engines, firefighters and mowed lines work in concert to create buffers and fire breaks to ensure the fire is contained. National Park Service staff will monitor air quality and smoke impacts including visibility on nearby roads. Following the active burn, wildland firefighters will continue to patrol the area to ensure the fire is completely out.
 
Fire goals include restoring historic battlefield viewsheds, maintaining wildlife habitat and controlling woody and invasive species.
 
Temporary Closures Planned: During the prescribed fire, public areas and trails between the Brawner Farm Interpretive Center and the Deep Cut area will be closed for up to two days. The Brawner Farm Interpretive Center will remain open and the public may view the fire at this location. Additional roads, trails and areas may need to be closed temporarily if smoke conditions reduce visibility.  
 
More information, including a map of the project area, is available on the park website. Updates to fire plans associated closures will be posted on the park website, Facebook and Twitter using the hashtag #ManassasBattlefield.

This map identifies the April 2018 prescribed burn area and trail/parking closures.