Before the fire, Virginia Department of Forestry officials and park volunteers meet up at the end of the field north of the Barn. A fire break had been plowed around the field weeks earlier. On the day of the fire, local fire and police departments are notified, and signs are placed along Route 743 to inform passing motorists that a controlled burn is in progress.

ICF Coordinator Dede Smith starts the fire.

Two Forestry officials work along the edges of the field igniting the grass.

The fire approaches the southern end of the field.

After half an hour the burn is complete and a few wisps of smoke still rise as the fire dies down.

Forestry officials and volunteers check the perimeter to ensure that the fire is out and that no fire has escaped. Another successful burn is complete! Within days new grass will be visible as plants grow back.