Planned Fire To Happen At Wolf Trap Park: NPS

VIENNA, VA — If you see smoke coming from the area of Wolf Trap this week, it may be attributed to a planned exercise.

The National Park Service says it will have a planned fire Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts the week of April 8. The timing is dependent on weather conditions.

The fire will be located in the circle parking area in front of the Filene Center and cover less than an acre. According to NPS, the goal of the planned fire is to control woody and invasive species to maintain the wildlife habitat.

"The safety of park staff and visitors is our top priority, along with protecting the iconic Filene Center," said Park Superintendent Ken Bigley. "We will only conduct the prescribed fire if conditions are appropriate. Fire allows for the native vegetation to flourish along with improving the habitat for wildlife."

Wolf Trap last did a planned fire in April 2018. Due to the exercise, public areas and trails near the Filene Center circle, Stage Road and Lot 4 will be closed for hours. Additional park roads may be temporarily closed if smoke conditions impact visibility.

NPS says the conditions of wind, temperature and humidity must be right to ensure safety. The wildland fire engines, firefighters and paved road will be buffers to help contain the fire, and NPS will monitor smoke and air quality conditions. Once the planned fire exercise is complete, wildland firefighters will monitor the area to ensure the fire is completely out.