News Release

Manassas National Battlefield Park Prescribed Burn

Park Map showing the area to be burned highlighted in yellow on the top righthand corner.

NPS

News Release Date: March 1, 2022

Contact: Jim Bailey, 202-380-5927

Manassas, Va. – Manassas National Battlefield Park is preparing for a prescribed burn. We plan to manage the fire on Wednesday, March 2. This date may change depending upon weather conditions. The planned fire will be on 100 acres in the northeast corner of the park (east of the Poplar Ford Trail community and bounded by Bull Run to the north and east). 

This will be the park’s fifth prescribed fire, and it follows successful burns in April 2018, March and November 2019, and March 2021. The goals of this burn are to maintain historic battlefield viewsheds, maintain wildlife habitat and control woody and invasive species. 

“Building off the great success we had with prescribed fires in 2018 and 2019, this is another opportunity to continue our efforts to return a significant segment of the battlefield back to its Civil War appearance,” Manassas National Battlefield Park Acting Superintendent Raquel Montez said. “In addition to supporting the park’s goal of landscape restoration, prescribed fire allows native grasses to flourish and improves wildlife habitat. Safety is our top priority, and we will only conduct the prescribed fire if conditions are appropriate.” 

Many factors must align to conduct a prescribed fire and ensure public and firefighter safety. 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. Following the active burn, wildland firefighters will continue to patrol the area to ensure the fire is completely out. 

Temporary Closures Planned: During the prescribed fire, public areas and trails near the Northeast Fields will be closed for up to two days. Additional trails and areas may need to be closed temporarily if smoke conditions reduce visibility.  

Text "MNBP" to 888777 for free, real-time updates about the prescribed fire. You can also stay up to date by checking current conditions in the park or by following us on Facebook.