The USDA Forest Service will be conducting controlled burns 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 the 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. The Forest Service 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 US 220 and Interstate 81. Depending on wind direction, residents in the Catawba Creek Valley located near the Town of Fincastle may smell smoke.
Craig County
• The 628-acre Lick Mountain prescribed burn area is located east of New Castle at the end of Rt. 690 (Maggie Maw Lane) on Lick Mountain. The smoke will be visible from New Castle and from the Lick Branch and Ferrier Trails that are adjacent to the burn unit. Depending on wind direction, residents and travelers in the Craig Creek Valley along Rt. 615 (Craig Creek Road) and in New Castle may be able to smell smoke.
• The 728-acre North Mountain prescribed burn area is located on the north side of North Mountain. Smoke may be visible to the residents of Fincastle, Daleville, Troutville and the Roanoke Valley. Depending on wind on the day of the burn, residents of Catawba Valley adjacent to Fincastle and residents of Craig Creek Valley may smell smoke.
• The Bald Mountain prescribed burn area includes two units (Unit 3 at 1,611 acres and Unit 4 at 2,383 acres) that may be burned in the spring. This burn area is directly adjacent to the Fenwick Mines Recreation Area. Visitors to the Fenwick Mines Recreation Area may see and smell smoke on the day of the prescribed fire. Smoke from both units may be visible from New Castle, Barbours Creek and Oriskany. Depending on wind direction on the day of the burn, residents of Oriskany and the Craig Creek Valley along Rt. 615 (Craig Creek Road) may smell smoke.
