BRECKSVILLE, Ohio — If you see smoke in the skyline above the Cuyahoga Valley National Park some days between Nov. 7 and Dec. 31, be aware that prescribed fires are being set at three locations in the park, according to a CVNP press release.

What You Need To Know

  • The National Park Service is setting prescribed fires at some locations in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park over the next couple months

  • They will be being set at three locations

  • They cannot be set for specific days as conditions need to be right

They are going to be set by the National Park Service.

“The goal of the planned fires is to improve natural habitat,” the release stated. “Specifically, the prescribed fires will burn the invasive plant species, create good soil conditions for native seeds, and maintain habitats. The total area to be burned is approximately 182 acres.”

They will be set at the following locations:

  • The location of the former Richfield Coliseum, at Route 303 close to the I-271 interchange
  • A section of the Terra Vista Natural Study Area in Valley View, which is northeast of Canal and Tinkers Creek roads
  • A section of Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Boston Township near Boston Mills Road south of I-80

The release from CVNP states certain conditions need to exist for these burnings and that they may occur at any time in that window when conditions are right. That is why they cannot be scheduled for specific days.

“The prescribed fire program at Cuyahoga Valley National Park is conducted by trained and experienced National Park Service fire personnel,” the release reads. “Smoke dispersal is a primary concern and park staff will do everything possible to limit smoke in the area by monitoring wind and atmospheric conditions prior to ignitions.  However, smoke drifting in and around park lands and roadways is possible.”