News Release

National Park Service plans first ever prescribed fire at Monocacy National Battlefield

Date: March 27, 2019
Contact: Christopher J. Stubbs, 301-302-6239
Contact: Katie Liming, 202-619-7156

The National Park Service is preparing to conduct a prescribed fire at Monocacy National Battlefield the week of April 1-5, 2019, weather permitting. The planned fire will be adjacent to the Gambrill Mill area and cover approximately 35-acres of open fields. This will be the first prescribed fire conducted within the park.

The main goal of this prescribed fire is to reduce hazardous fuels (buildup of vegetation) in order to minimize the risk of future wildland fires. In addition, the prescribed fire will help maintain the historic, open battlefield landscape similar to its 1864 appearance and improve wildlife habitat.

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 wind, temperature and relative humidity. Firefighters will create buffers and firebreaks 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 2-days depending on fire conditions. The Gambrill Mill trail will remain open during the prescribed fire. The public may view the prescribed fire safely from this location.

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 website and Facebook page.