Personnel monitor a controlled burn in the Leyden Wildlife Management Area on Wednesday.
Personnel monitor a controlled burn in the Leyden Wildlife Management Area in 2024. Credit: PAUL FRANZ / Staff File Photo

LEYDEN — The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife is planning a prescribed fire on Thursday, Oct. 22, at the Leyden Wildlife Management Area, in cooperation with the state Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Fire Control District 9, the Leyden Fire Department and other partners.

The prescribed fire is planned for ridgetop heathland between Eden Trail and Glen Road. The purpose of prescribed fires, according to MassWildlife, is to improve wildlife habitat, reduce wildfire risk and provide firefighter training.

Residents are advised that they may observe smoke in the area. The prescribed fire may be canceled if local weather conditions change.