Hoosier National Forest begins prescribed fires

Hoosier National Forest plans prescribed fire operations this fall, pending all required approvals. This work is expected to continue through late spring 2027, as weather conditions allow.

Prescribed fires are essential to keep the oak-hickory ecosystem on the landscape in the central hardwood region. They also reduce overgrown vegetation, helping protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires.

Maps of prescribed fire units planned for the 2026-27 season are available on the Hoosier National Forest website. Up to 25 units totaling 5,176 acres, or 2.5% of Hoosier National Forest’s 205,00 acres, could receive fire treatments this season. 

The areas include portions of the forest in Dubois County.

Here is a story map of the areas to be subject to prescribed fire. https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/ade178b1ef044da984c77477bed2e016

Those areas may close to the public for several days for public safety. Watch for warning signs along roads near all prescribed fire areas before and during burns.

Residents may experience smoke during the prescribed burns. Go to https://fire.airnow.gov/ to find more detailed information about air quality. When driving, slow down and turn on your headlights when you encounter smoke on the road.

Weather conditions are evaluated in the hours before a burn begins. If conditions warrant, scheduled prescribed fire activities may be canceled.

Stay informed about the scheduled prescribed fires through the forest website, social media channels, and the Forest’s new “real time” webpage that will show current, previous and upcoming prescribed fires. County emergency management officials will be notified when burning begins.