Fort Larned NHS – Fort Larned National Historic Site announced its prescribed fire season beginning now through April. Prescribed fire is one method used to promote a healthy prairie and maintain the cultural landscape of the park. It is also used to control exotic vegetation and promote native plant and animal diversity. Prescribed fire is a partnership operation involving the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and support of local agencies.  

Fire practitioners look for a narrow set of weather conditions for specific fires to have desired ecological impacts and smoke dispersal. Due to the unpredictability of weather patterns, wind speed and direction, and relative humidity, there is usually not much advance notice leading up to a prescribed burn.

Some trails and areas may be closed on short notice during prescribed fire operations. Visitors who are hiking or visiting the fort may have their plans interrupted as a result of the burning activity, but this typically does not last more than a day. For safety, visitors are asked to not enter or cross the fire lines or venture beyond barricades and signs.