Crime & Safety
Park Service Oversees Controlled Fires At Manassas Battlefield
The fires are designed to restore views at the Manassas battlefield, maintain wildlife habitat and combat invasive species.
MANASSAS, VA — The National Park Service (NPS) has launched a series of controlled fires at the Manassas National Battlefield Park that are scheduled to last at least through Nov. 21. The planned fires will be on about 75 acres near the Brawner Farm on the western side of the battlefield, north of U.S. Route 29 between Pageland and Featherbed Lanes. This month's controlled fires follow successful burns in April 2018 and March 2019, the NPS said.
The Manassas National Battlefield runs along Interstate 66 and encompasses land where the First and Second Battles of Bull Run were fought in 1861 and 1862. The first Bull Run battle was the first major battle of the Civil War. The goals of the current fires are to restore historic battlefield viewsheds, maintain wildlife habitat and control woody and invasive species, according to the NPS.
"Building off the great success we had with prescribed fires in April 2018 and March 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 Superintendent Brandon Bies said in a statement.
Find out what's happening in Manassasfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Along with supporting the park's goal of landscape restoration, the controlled fires allow native grasses to flourish and improve wildlife habitat, Bies said.
The timing of the prescribed fire is dependent on weather conditions being within required wind, temperature, and relative humidity parameters. NPS staff 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.
Find out what's happening in Manassasfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The contolled fires began Nov. 20 and could continue beyond today, depending on the weather conditions, NPS spokesman Jonathan Shafer said.
During the controlled fires, public areas and trails near the Deep Cut will be closed for up to two days. Additional roads, trails and areas may need to be closed temporarily if smoke conditions reduce visibility.
For more information on the controlled fires, visit the battlefield's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/manassasbattlefield.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
