A controlled burn is scheduled for more than 2,000 acres of the Allegheny National Forest, possibly starting today if weather conditions are right.

The burn is the first controlled burn in the Allegheny National Forest since 2024, but this year’s burn is expected to be larger as federal officials aim to reduce hazardous fuel levels and improve wildlife habitat in the Tracy Ridge area of the Allegheny National Forest.

“This allows us to burn on our own terms,” said Craig Kostrzewski of the Forest Service during a media briefing. “If another burn were to occur, it would be less intense.”

Crews will wait for a combination of temperature and wind conditions before igniting the fire.

About 40 personnel will be involved, along with additional support crews on standby. The goal is to complete the burn in a single day, followed by several days of monitoring.

During operations, most of the Tracy Ridge area will be closed to the public, including the Tracy Ridge Trail System, parts of the North Country National Scenic Trail and Handsome Lake and Hopewell boat-to campgrounds. Officials warn that smoke may be visible in surrounding communities.

Done properly, prescribed fires are a tool to keep our forests thriving and reduce the risk of bigger, uncontrolled fires that can destroy private property. It’s important to remove wood and timber litter that can fuel wildfires as well as invasive species.

We don’t face some of the risks that come with prescribed burns in the western states.

But it’s still important for the public to be aware of what’s going on and to stay out of the way and let the professionals do their jobs.