The Allegheny National Forest’s planned prescribed fire is scheduled to begin today, pending all required approvals.

Forest officials expect the work to continue for one to two days as weather conditions allow.

“We use prescribed fire to reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfire,” ANF officials said in a news release.

The Tracy Ridge prescribed fire project area includes two adjacent burn units (Sugar Bay and Handsome Lake) in Warren and McKean counties of the Bradford Ranger District. Prescribed fire operations will treat 2,044 acres located just south of Tracy Ridge Recreation Area along Pennsylvania Route 321, 20 miles southwest of Bradford.

For public health and safety, the forest has issued a temporary closure order, restricting public access to the project area. Kinzua Beach is closed until the operations end.

Forest officials said the public should use caution when driving near the burn area as visitors may encounter signs of fire operations including fire personnel, equipment, flames and smoke. A helicopter may also be seen overhead assisting with prescribed fire operations. Signs and personnel will be posted nearby providing information to the public.

Stay informed about the scheduled prescribed fire through InciWeb, the interagency incident information system, which provides valuable resources including timely updates, maps, photos and contact information. Updates will also be posted on the forest’s Facebook page, when available. Emergency management officials will be notified when burning begins.

“We will continue to monitor weather conditions prior to the burn,” ANF officials said in a news release. “If conditions warrant, scheduled prescribed fire activities may be canceled.”