Prescribed firing operations today at Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is planning to conduct prescribed firing operations today at the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge.

The potential burn site represents 133 acres located at the end of Bayou Bend Road, west of Gautier-Vancleave Road and south of Interstate 10 in Gautier.

Prescribed fires are an essential part of refuge management to restore the native wet pine Savannah.

These conditions allow a burn permit to be issued from the state.

The public should be aware that smoke may move through some adjacent areas.

There is a chance that roads in the area may be temporarily closed for safety reasons.