OAK HARBOR, Ohio — Prescribed fires in the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge this month may cause smoke to be visible in nearby portions of Ottawa and Lucas counties, refuge staff announced.

Managed fires are used “to improve wildlife habitat and reduce the accumulation of fuels that lead to uncontrolled wildfires,” the statement read in part after noting that the fall season for such fires typically runs until Dec. 1.

Local officials have been notified of “planned management actions” but prescribed fire “will only be conducted when conditions allow for safe implementation,” the refuge statement said.

The Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge typically burns brush and other nuisance vegetation from between 100 and 800 acres annually.

First Published November 6, 2021, 12:30 p.m.