The National Park Service (NPS) has announced that Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield may intermittently conduct prescribed burns between February 14, 2026, and March 15, 2026. The controlled fires are part of a strategy to maintain and restore the park’s landscapes, which are crucial to the park’s historical significance.
Prescribed burns are a common tool used by the NPS to manage vegetation and reduce the risk of unintentional wildfires. They are carefully planned and executed to ensure minimal disruption to both the park’s visitors and its wildlife. The NPS will only conduct these burns when weather conditions are optimal to control the fire and minimize smoke impact on surrounding communities.
Visitors to the park during this period are advised to be aware of the potential for prescribed burns and to check the park’s website for updates. The NPS assures that every effort will be made to limit any potential disruption to park visitors during this time. Safety of park visitors, staff, and the local community remains the top priority during these operations.