News Release

Big South Fork NRRA Issues Temporary Closure for Prescribed Fire Operations, March 4, 2022

Darrow Ridge Burn Unit Map

NPS

News Release Date: March 4, 2022

Contact: Christopher Derman, 423-569-9778

Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area will be conducting a prescribed burn on the Darrow Ridge Burn Unit today, Friday, March 04. Approximately 800 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. Hippy Cave Hiking Trail
2. All areas that fall within the Darrow Ridge Prescribed Burn Unit
3. Darrow Ridge Equestrian Trail that runs along Darrow Ridge Road
4. Darrow Ridge Multi Use Trail where it connects to Darrow Ridge Road
5. Section of Proctor Ridge Trail between Darrow Ridge Road and Laurel Branch Creek
6. Section of the Hicks Ridge Equestrian Trail that lies between Darrow Ridge Road and Laurel Branch Creek

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.