The U.S. Forest Service plans to conduct a prescribed burn today on about 943 acres in the Badin Recreation area in the Uwharrie National Forest.
Several horse trails that lead into and out of the area have been closed. Smoke from the burn is expected to drift away from developed recreation areas along the river.
The prescribed burns will help remove hazardous fuels, improve wildlife habitat, restore important fire-dependent species, and promote forest and ecosystem health. Prescribed burns can help prevent larger, high-severity wildfires, which could threaten private homes and property.
Public safety is the highest priority during prescribed burns.