Tallgrass, tall flames at the Fort

Jason E. Silvers/Tribune photo A federal wildland fire personnel member monitors a prescribed fire Thursday afternoon at the Fort Scott National Historic Site. About five acres of restored tallgrass prairie at the site were burned under the supervision of federal personnel. Fort Scott Fire Department personnel were also on hand to assist with the fire if needed.

The Fort Scott National Historic Site conducted a prescribed fire for the site's restored tallgrass prairie Thursday afternoon.

About five acres of restored tallgrass prairie were burned under the supervision of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service wildland fire personnel with assistance from the Fort Scott Fire Department.

The objective of the project is to eliminate a buildup of hazardous fuels that could threaten park structures, control invasive woody and exotic plant species and promote the growth of native prairie plants. The prairie is used as an interpretive tool to help visitors understand the historical landscape of eastern Kansas, a FSNHS news release said.

The burn was conducted under prescribed conditions as set forth in the park's Fire Management and Prescribed Fire Burn Plan.

FSNHS staff said Thursday they were waiting for ideal weather conditions and the availability of trained staff in order to conduct the controlled burn.