04/09/2026
Please see the following, our area could possibly experience smokey conditions as a result of the controlled burn over the next few days. Right now prevailing winds are from the south, but winds are expected to shift to a NNE wind on Saturday. That shift could introduce smoke into the area.
George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, North River Ranger District
Forest Service News Release
Public Affairs Specialist: Julie Clark
(707) 616-8291
[email protected]
Forest Website
George Washington and Jefferson National Forest conducts prescribed burning near Hone Quarry and Briery Branch Reservoirs
Favorable weather conditions in place for hazardous fuels reduction work Harrisonburg, April 9, 2026— George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, North River Ranger District is planning prescribed fire operations this Friday, April 10, through Sunday, April 12, pending all required approvals. We estimate this work to continue through the afternoon as weather conditions allow. We use prescribed fires to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires.
Prescribed fires planned for the area include:
• 4,506 Acres near Hone Quarry and Briery Branch Reservoirs.
• Possible smoke impacts to the communities and roads of Hone Quarry and Briery Branch Reservoirs, Hone Quarry campground, VA State Road 924, SR 257, VA Hwy 33, Tilgman Road, Coal Road, West Virginia HWY33, WV CR 61, WV CR 25, WV CR 24, WV CR 21, WV 220
• Hone Quarry Reservoir and Dam will be temporarily closed for the duration of the burn, along with all nearby trails, Hone Quarry Mountain (435), Heartbreak (435A) and Mines Run (435B).
The public is reminded to watch for warning signs along roads near all prescribed fire areas before and during burns.
Residents may experience smoke during the prescribed burns. Information about fires and public health, including an interactive map with current fire and air quality data, can be found here. When driving, slow down and turn on your headlights when you encounter smoke on the road.
We will evaluate weather conditions in the hours before a burn begins. If conditions warrant, scheduled prescribed fire activities may be canceled.
Stay informed about the scheduled prescribed fires through the forest website and, Facebook. We will notify county emergency management officials when burning begins.
About the Forest Service: The USDA Forest Service has for more than 100 years brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology– and rooted in communities–the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.
# # #
This email was sent by: Southern Region
1720 Peachtree Street NW
Atlanta, GA, 30309, USA
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
Update Profile
To view this email as a web page, click here.
