News Release

National Park Service plans prescribed fire at Monocacy National Battlefield

Date: March 6, 2020
Contact: Katie Liming, 202-619-7156

The National Park Service (NPS) is preparing to conduct a prescribed fire at Monocacy National Battlefield. The tentative target dates are between March 9 to 20, weather and vegetation conditions permitting.  

The planned fire will be on about 30 total acres at the Gambrill Mill and Worthington Farm areas. This will be the second prescribed fire conducted at Monocacy National Battlefield. In April 2019, NPS fire crews successfully treated 25 acres in the Gambrill Mill area. 

The main goal of this prescribed fire is to reduce 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 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 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 fires at Worthington and Gambrill Mill, public areas in and around the burn will be closed. These closures may last for 2-days depending on fire conditions. The Ford Loop Trail will be closed during fire operations at Worthington. The Gambrill Mill trail and parking area will be closed during the prescribed fire at Gambrill Mill.  

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.