ELKINS — Monongahela National Forest officials are making plans for a “55-acre prescribed fire” in Tucker County, if weather conditions permit.

Mon Forest staff are tentatively planning to conduct a prescribed fire at the Nursery Bottom Administrative Site, near Parsons, within the next few weeks, officials said.

“This 55-acre prescribed fire will improve wildlife habitat through the reduction of woody plants, including non-native species, removal of grass and forbs, dead vegetative build up, increasing flowering plants, promoting and establishing native warm and cold season grasses, and incorporating prescribed fire into an integrated program to treat non-native invasive species,” a press release states.

The prescribed fire area will be closed to the public on the day of the burn. Signs will be posted on roads and trails before and during the burning.

“Residents and visitors may see and smell smoke for several days,” the release states. “If you encounter smoke on the highway, slow down, turn on your vehicle’s lights and drive appropriately for the conditions.”

Prescribed fires are conducted under specific weather conditions and are designed to accomplish pre-determined forest management goals, officials said.

“Monongahela National Forest follows strict guidelines for conducting prescribed fires, and takes into consideration environmental factors such as temperature, humidity and wind,” according to the release. If any environmental conditions are not within the prescribed limits, the prescribed fire will be postponed.

When burning begins, information, photos, and maps will be available at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/. For more information contact the Cheat District Office at 304-478-2000.