Smoke will roll over the Flint Hills over the next month.

The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is beginning its prescribed fire season, which will run until mid-April.

“Prescribed fire is one method used to promote a healthy prairie and maintain the cultural landscape of the preserve,” the National Park Service stated. The burns also remove non-native and woody vegetation on the prairie.

You might not get much notice before a prescribed burn, since they must be held during optimal weather conditions. If you’re planning on hiking or fishing in the preserve over the next month, you might want to check with the Park Service first. If you come across a burn, you’re asked not to cross fire lines or go past signs or barricades.

You can get updates from rangers at 620-273-8494, check alerts on the preserve website at www. nps.gov/tapr, or check the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve Facebook page.