Prescribed burn at Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge

JACKSON COUNTY, Miss. (WXXV)- The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is planning to conduct a prescribed burn today at the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge.

The potential burn site consists of 380 acres located North of Interstate 10 and East of Hwy 57 in Gautier, MS.

Prescribed fires are an essential part of Refuge management to restore the native wet pine savanna, which is home to the critically endangered Mississippi sandhill cranes and dusky gopher frogs. Burning to remove hazardous fuels also creates a safer environment for the public living in rural areas. Weather conditions are forecasted to be favorable for a successful burn and a burn permit has been issued from the State of Mississippi.

Personnel assisting with the burn are highly trained in wildland fire and maintains fire breaks around the Refuge. The public should be aware that smoke may move through some adjacent areas and that Refuge equipment & personnel will be in the area. There is a chance that roads in the area may be temporarily closed for safety reasons.