HANOVER, Pa. — The borough of Hanover announced it will conduct a controlled burn on 17 acres of wooded land near the Sheppard-Myers reservoir on Thursday.
The burn is part of an effort to improve forest health near the reservoir, the borough said in a press release. It will be conducted on a portion of land southeast of the intersection of Tollgate Road and Impounding Dam Road under the supervision of a fire-control expert, the borough said.
Thursday's date was chosen based on the forecasted optimal conditions, the borough said.
"This managed fire activity is a safe and highly controlled method to reduce hazardous fuels such as dead leaves and branches which can contribute to uncontrolled wildfires," the borough said. "In addition, a controlled burn allows for improved forest health by encouraging new growth and promoting biodiversity. Invasive species growth is also addressed by controlled burning and reduces the need for herbicide(s), with the added advantage of creating firebreaks to help control future wildfire and building a fertile environment to reestablish healthy, wooded areas."
The public may expect smoke in the area during the controlled burn, the borough said. Some areas may continue to smolder for a few days after the controlled burn ends. Contractors will not leave the area until the conditions are deemed to be safe. Trained and certified forest firefighters, along with a control burn specialist and other personnel will be present throughout the activity to ensure safety. There are no anticipated impacts on public access to surrounding areas.
Efforts are being directly coordinated with local responding fire companies as well as York County Emergency Services (911).
Residents are asked to NOT report the burn to York County 911, "as increased call volumes could remove resources needed elsewhere in the county," the borough said.
The event will be closely coordinated with the 911 call center, according to the borough.
For more information contact the Borough of Hanover, Department of Water Resources at 717-632-1214 or email Director of Planning and Engineering Eric Mains at EMains@HanoverBoroughPA.gov.
Updates and FAQ’s are also available at www.HanoverBoroughPA.gov.
