A prescribed burn is planned at Jakes Rocks this week.

It’s planned to be one of two burns on the Allegheny National Forest.

“The day and time of each burn will depend on weather conditions and other parameters set by the individual burn plans,” according to a statement from the Forest Service.

At this stage, “potential sites tentatively scheduled” for May 11 and 12 are Jakes Rocks and Gregg Hill in Forest County.

The ANF will post updates on social media as the plans firm up.

“Prescribed fires are conducted with the safety of the public and firefighters as the highest priority,” according to the ANF. “The burn at Jakes Rocks may temporarily close or impact the popular mountain bike trails in the area.

“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.”

Why these areas in particular?

“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,” according to the ANF.

They also offer some insight into the role the burns will play environmentally in those areas.

“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. 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.”