News Release

Big South Fork NRRA Issues Temporary Closure for Prescribed Fire Operations, March 3, 2022

Newtie King Burn Unit

NPS

News Release Date: March 3, 2022

Contact: Christopher Derman, 423-569-9778

Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area will be conducting a prescribed burn on the Newtie King Burn Unit today, Thursday, March 03. Approximately 120 acres are anticipated to be burned, beginning mid-morning and conclude later in the day.

In the interest of visitor safety, a temporary closure of the following areas is in effect during prescribed fire operations:

1. Split Bow Arch Hiking Trail
2. Split Bow Arch Parking Area
3. Bear Creek Equestrian Trailhead
4. Bear Creek Overlook Hiking Trail
5. Bear Creek Loop Equestrian Trail
6. Bear Creek Overlook Parking Area
7. All areas that fall within the Newtie King Prescribed Burn Unit

Prescribed fire activity will occur within park boundaries. Local communities can expect minimal smoke and visibility impacts. Monitoring of the area will continue throughout the weekend.

Implementation of burn operations is dependent upon a variety of conditions. Prescribed fires are conducted within specific parameters including temperature, relative humidity, fuel moisture, and wind speed to name a few.

Fire is an essential, natural process, having shaped the landscape for thousands of years, releasing, and recycling nutrients tied up in vegetation, duff, and organic soil layers, improving the overall health of plants and animals. During the planning of these prescribed burn units, areas of historical, cultural, and ecological importance are protected.