Foresters started controlled burns in the Croatan National Forest Tuesday. A similar effort last summer resulted in an out of control fire that scorched more than 21,000 acres.
The U.S. Forest Service plans to burn 1,261 acres today off Hunter Creek Road, which is approximately a mile east of Highway 58.
Last Father's Day, a prescribed burn got out of control and took several weeks to contain. Catfish Lake Road was closed down because of the fire.
Foresters say no roads or trails were closed by Tuesday's burn, but say visitors should be aware of smoke and fire trucks in the area.
James Cherry, District Fire Manager, says, "What were trying to do is reduce the layer on the forest floor which consist of twigs grass and that type of underbrush."
All 1,200 acres were not burned Tuesday. The weather Wednesday will dictate if the burn will continue then.
