State officials are expected to carry out a controlled burn at Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area on Tuesday afternoon.

The fire will be monitored by the North Carolina Forest Service and the State Parks and will cause the park to be closed during the burn.

Officials say about 30 acres near the peak of the mountain is scheduled to be included in the controlled fire in hopes of reducing the risk of wildfires. A similar event was carried out at the park area adjacent to the Chapel Hill Public Library on Monday evening.

Most of the burn at Occoneechee will be contained on the north side of the mountain, according to a release.

“The planned burn is intended to reduce a buildup of hardwood leaves that could serve as fuel for fires,” officials said a release. “In addition to reducing fire hazards, the burn is expected to help with the regeneration of oaks in the area by removing invasive plants and providing a prepared bed for easier seed germination.”

Controlled burns are typically carried out every seven to 10 years, according to the state.

If wind conditions remain as expected, the burn will start in the afternoon and be completed before the end of business on Tuesday. Residual smoke could linger until 7 p.m.

Photo via Town of Hillsborough

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