Mark Twain National Forest

As weather becomes warmer and drier in the coming days and weeks, Mark Twain National Forest personnel expect ideal conditions for conducting prescribed burning operations. A prescribed fire is a fire ignited by highly trained wildland firefighting personnel, when conditions are right, to promote healthy ecological conditions and improve wildlife habitat. To minimize smoke impacts to local communities and disperse smoke quickly, these prescribed fires will be done when favorable atmospheric conditions occur.

Prescribed fires are used to reduce the threat of severe wildfire and to improve the health of native plants and wildlife habitat, since these ecosystems are historically fire dependent. Deer, turkey, quail, and other species benefit when the plants they rely on for food and cover are rejuvenated using prescribed fire. Neighboring landowners will be contacted prior to ignitions. Signs will be posted on roads and trails near prescribed fire operations on the day of the burn. If you encounter smoke on the highway, please: slow down; turn on your vehicle’s low beam lights; and drive cautiously, watching out for firefighting equipment and other vehicles that may be stopped along the road.