VAN BUREN TWP. — Hoosier National Forest staff will conduct several prescribed burns in Brown, Orange, Crawford and Perry counties this fall if weather and other factors allow.

In Brown County, burn areas include the 131-acre Harris area and 91-acre Ogala area, both mixed grass and woodlands, near Spurgeons Corner in Van Buren Township. The purpose is to improve wildlife habitat or woodland restoration, according to a press release from forest staff.

Each burn area required a different “prescription,” which determines what wind direction and speed, temperature and fuel moistures are required, forest staff reported. If the burns are not conducted this fall and conditions are right in the winter, the areas could be burned in December or January.

Each area will be closed to the public on the day of the burn and for some time after until the area is considered safe. Signs will be posted along the fire line and at any logical entry points into the area.

The exact date of each burn is dependent on weather and fuel conditions. Forest staff will notify the public in the immediate area of a prescribed burn unit by letter. Anyone who would like to know specific planned dates for ignition can request a call from forest dispatch. In particular, people with medical issues such as asthma or emphysema who live immediately around a prescribed burn area might want to request dispatch notification.

With questions or to request notifications, call the Indiana Interagency Coordination Center dispatcher at 812-547-9262.