The Allegheny National Forest will, if weather conditions are right, continue prescribed burns this week.

“During the week of April 25, the U.S. Forest Service plans to conduct multiple prescribed fires on Allegheny National Forest,” according to a release from Public Affairs Officer Christopher Leeser. “The day and time of each burn will depend on weather conditions and other parameters set by the individual burn plans. Potential sites are located in Forest County – a continuation of the Izenbrown burn west of Queen — and Warren County — at the Jakes Rocks area.”

Officials hope to accomplish a number of goals through the burns.

“Fire management staff, in collaboration with Forest resource specialists, have identified wildfire fuels reduction and forest health, wildlife, and ecosystem management objectives to accomplish with the prescribed fires,” Leeser said. “Fires are a historic and natural process for several ecosystems on the Allegheny National Forest — grasslands and oak-hickory forests being two prime examples.”

“Oak-hickory forests, which comprise approximately 16 percent of the Forest, require periodic fires to reduce competing undesirable vegetation, recycle soil nutrients and stimulate the increased production of acorns, blueberries, blackberries, and other mast crops.”

“White-tailed deer, turkey, butterflies, songbirds, grouse, snakes, turtles, and other wildlife species utilize burned areas for feeding, nesting, warming, and a place to raise their young,” he said. “Prescribed fires also reduce the amount of hazardous fuels that, when left unburned, can lead to uncontrolled wildfires that could threaten human life and property.”

The goals of the fires are secondary considerations. “Prescribed fires are conducted with the safety of the public and firefighters as the highest priority,” Leeser said. “Prescribed fires are implemented only when the prescribed parameters, including wind speed and direction, relative humidity, temperature, fire danger, seasonal restrictions, and mitigation of potential smoke impacts are met.”

Leeser said the ANF would post information to its social media sites to help keep the public informed of forthcoming burns.