News Release

Prescribed fire planned at Monocacy National Battlefield in March

Date: March 3, 2023
Contact: Tracy Evans, 301-662-3515

FREDERICK, Md. − The National Park Service is preparing to conduct a prescribed fire at Monocacy National Battlefield between March 6 and 10, 2023, weather and vegetation conditions permitting. The planned fire operations will cover 20 acres at the Gambrill Mill.  

This will be the park’s fifth prescribed fire, and it follows a successful burn in March 2021 of 25 acres in the Gambrill Mill area. The goal of the fire is to reduce buildup of vegetation to minimize the risk of future wildland fires, improve wildlife habitat and help maintain the historic, open battlefield landscape similar to its 1864 appearance.  

Safety is our top priority and the NPS will only conduct the prescribed fire if conditions are appropriate. The timing of the prescribed fire is dependent on weather conditions being within the required wind, temperature, and relative humidity parameters. Wildland fire engines, firefighters and mowed lines work in concert to create buffers and fire breaks to contain the fire. NPS staff will monitor air quality and smoke impacts, including visibility on nearby roads. Following the active burn, firefighters will patrol the area to ensure the fire is completely out. 

Temporary Closures Planned: During the prescribed fire at Gambrill Mill, public areas in and around the burn will be closed. These closures may last for two days depending on fire conditions.  

Additional roads, trails and areas may be closed temporarily if smoke conditions reduce visibility to a level that impacts public and firefighter safety. Up-to-date information on this and any other closures and fire activity will be posted on the park's Facebook page.