Controlled burns on the horizon between now and spring

If you see smoke on the mountains in Western and Northern Botetourt there will be fire. These fires will be controlled burns in the Jefferson and George Washington National Forests.

The USDA Forest Service will be conducting controlled burns as soon as Thursday, November 19, and continuing through the fall and winter and into late spring. Controlled burns keep people and homes safe by reducing the buildup of dried leaves and wood in nearby forest land that can lead to uncontrolled wildfires. Safety is our top priority, and Forest Service fire managers will conduct controlled burns in the following areas only under appropriate weather conditions.

Botetourt County:

The 2,250-acre Patterson Mountain prescribed burn area is located on and around Patterson Mountain. The controlled burn will take place between Patterson Mountain and Patterson Creek Road. We expect smoke to be visible from multiple locations in Botetourt and Roanoke Counties. Depending on wind direction, residents in Eagle Rock and Glen Wilton may smell smoke.

The 1,469-acre Caldwell Mountain prescribed burn area is located on the southeast-facing slope of Broad Run Mountain and lies on the Craig and Botetourt County line. Smoke may be visible to the residents of Daleville, Troutville, Fincastle, Roanoke, Catawba and New Castle. Smoke may also be visible to those traveling along U.S. Route 220 and Interstate 81. Depending on wind direction, residents in the Catawba Creek Valley located near the town of Fincastle may smell smoke.

–Cathy Benson and Anita Firebaugh; US Forestry Service, Blacksburg VA