A prescribed burn is scheduled to take place in the City Watershed property off Fishing Creek Road from Nov. 15-22, 2023.
The purpose is to restore specific tree species. The prescribed burn will reduce the duff layer, burn competing vegetation, and help provide small open spaces for new seedlings to take root.
The fire will create smoke on Catoctin Mountain, but the burn will be a low, controlled flame. Maryland Department of Natural Resources fire staff will be on hand to direct the fire. They will have engines in the burn area and equipment to help enlarge fire lines if needed. There are no homes or other structures in this area.
Fishing Creek Road will be closed between its junction with Gambrill Park Road at the yellow gates at the top of the Watershed and at the junction of Mountaindale Road during the burn. All trails in the this section of the watershed also will be closed.
The prescribed burn will proceed only if conditions are favorable on a date in the window.
Please see the map for burn location and temporary road closures. Contact Jenny Willoughby or the City’s DPW Dispatch with questions at jwilloughby@cityoffrederick.com 301-600-1440.