The National Park Service is using prescribed fires to prevent wildfires at Mount Rushmore Memorial.
When weather conditions are right, the service will begin burning slash piles. The piles contain debris left over from forest thinning activities that prevent and slow the growth of wildfires.
Visitors to Mount Rushmore this winter may encounter smoke and haze when the piles are burning. Natural barriers in the park ensure a safe distance between visitors and the small fires.