Mark Twain National Forest conducts prescribed burns in Reynolds and Madison counties

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

REYNOLDS AND MADISON COUNTIES, Mo., (KBSI) — The Mark Twain National Forest will conduct prescribed burns Tuesday at two additional locations as part of ongoing forest management efforts.

Officials said crews plan to burn approximately 227 acres at Butcher Hollow Block 2, located about 13 miles east of Bunker in Reynolds County on the Salem Ranger District. Another prescribed burn will cover about 475 acres at Little Cedar Mountain, located roughly eight miles southwest of Fredericktown in Madison County on the Potosi-Fredericktown Ranger District.

The U.S. Forest Service said the burns are designed to reduce hazardous fuels, improve forest health and lower the risk of severe wildfires. Operations will include burning woody debris and leaf litter.

Residents may see smoke in and around the burn areas, including communities such as Bunker, Centerville, Fredericktown and surrounding areas. Drivers are urged to slow down near fire equipment and crews and to follow posted signs. The public is advised not to enter burn areas.

The Forest Service is being assisted by The Nature Conservancy in Missouri, AmeriCorps St. Louis, the Prescribed Fire Training Center and the Huron-Manistee National Forest fire module.

Officials said updates will be provided as operations continue.