VICKSBURG, Miss. (WJTV) – The National Park Service (NPS) will conduct prescribed fires in order to manage vegetation at the Vicksburg National Military Park (VNMP).

The prescribed fires will take place February 5-6, 2025, weather dependent.

The areas for the prescribed fires will include large grassy areas in the South Loop, near the Illinois Memorial and Shirley House, the western slope of Fort Hill, along Graveyard Road, and at Thayer’s Approach. The area of prescribed burns will include 231 acres.

NPS fire crews from the Mississippi River Fire Management Zone and VNMP staff will help conduct the burns. According to officials, prescribed fires allow fire managers to conduct a safe burn under optimal conditions with sufficient resources available to meet specific objectives for the management of battlefield resources.

NPS officials said no prolonged road closures are anticipated. It is possible that smoke conditions might reduce visibility to a level that would require a temporary closure of limited areas to ensure public and firefighter safety. On the days of the burns, runners and walkers are encouraged to use alternative routes due to the potential for smoke.

The timing of the prescribed fires is dependent on conditions. The prescribed fires will be conducted from approximately late morning through the afternoon, followed by patrol and monitoring to ensure the fire is completely out.