RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — The National Park Service is planning to conduct prescribed burns at the Cold Harbor Battlefield unit of Richmond National Battlefield Park.

Officials say the burn will take place in late September or early October on about 20 acres at Cold Harbor in Hanover County. The specific day of the burn will be based on weather conditions and other factors.

The burns take place in order to maintain the landscape as it appeared when the opposing armies fought there during the summers of 1862 and 1864.

The park will have at least 12 certified wildland firefighters on hand to ensure that the fire is conducted safely and without incident. It is expected to last no longer than eight hours.

The park tour road and extended trail will be closed.

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