News Release

Fire Crews Prepare for 2023 Prescribed Fire Season

2023 Rx Burn Location Map

NPS

News Release Date: December 30, 2022

Contact: Daniel Banks, 423-569-9778

During the spring months of 2023, fire crews will conduct prescribed fire operations in the Tennessee District of the park. Prescribed fire, as defined in the approved Fire Management Plan, will be located within the boundaries of the park. 

Approximately 858 acres are scheduled to be burned on the west side of the park along Divide Road.

During the burns, some park roads and trails may be closed temporarily for visitor safety. As priority, fire crews are now working on prepping these units to burn safely and effectively. The expectation is and will be to initiate the prescribed fire as soon as possible. Local communities can expect minimal smoke and visibility impacts. During the burns, some park roads and trails may be closed temporarily for visitor safety.

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. One of the benefits of the treatment is to reduce the risk of wildland fire.

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.

Please call 423-569-9778 for the latest information on the current status of any burn or associated closure.