Forest Service prepares for prescribed burns on Daniel Boone National Forest

WINCHESTER, Ky., February 25, 2025— This spring, firefighters across the Daniel Boone National Forest will conduct prescribed burning to reduce hazardous fuels, restore wildlife habitat and improve forest health. 

Prescribed burns are low-intensity fires ignited by trained personnel to remove excess fuels, such as vegetation and dead wood, that would enable wildfires to burn hotter and longer. Reducing the Forest’s hazardous fuel loads helps mitigate the risk of extreme wildfire for both the Forest and neighboring communities. Prescribed burns also help reduce the spread of pest insects and disease, recycle nutrients back to the soil and improve natural conditions for native flora and fauna. 

“Prescribed fire is a vital land management tool for both the Daniel Boone National Forest and other Kentucky land managers,” said Daniel Boone National Forest Fire Management Officer Ryle Benke. “Each prescribed burn is carefully planned to remove the accumulated smaller forest litter and brush that could serve as easy fuel for a wildfire and recycle those nutrients back into the soil to promote healthy vegetation and wildlife habitat. This process is essential for certain native species, like white oak, which depend on fire to clear competing species from the area and to enrich the soil.” 

All prescribed burns are thoroughly planned and analyzed by a team of specialists to ensure that wildlife, fisheries, rare plants and historic sites are not harmed. Experienced fire managers will closely monitor local weather conditions, such as wind and humidity, and adjust the schedule as needed to ensure the safety of both crewmembers and local residents. Prior to the planned ignition of a burn, crews construct and designate firebreaks to ensure the fire does not leave the burn area. 

To stay up-to-date alerts with current prescribed burns on the Daniel Boone National Forest, visit the “Southern Region Prescribed Burn Accomplishment Tracker” atwww.fs.usda.gov/goto/DBNF/PrescribedFire or follow the Forest on social media @DanielBooneNF