Spring Prescribed Fires to Begin at Big South Fork NRRA

Firefighter conducting a controlled burn

Randy Scoggins

 

Date: March 14, 2016
Contact: Christopher Derman, [phone]

During the next few weeks, National Park Service fire crews will be conducting a series of prescribed fires within Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. The prescribed fires, as defined in the approved Fire Management Plan, will all be located within the boundaries of the park. Fires will occur on the Tennessee side of the park.

Divide Road South project, Mitchell Field, Burke Fields and other fields in Tennessee may be burned if conditions are within prescription to conduct prescribed burns.

These prescribed fires will serve to help to promote species diversity for the park flora and fauna. After the burns take place, these areas will have enhanced wildlife habitat and should be an excellent location for spring turkey hunting.

Only when the weather and conditions meet the defined prescription will the fires will be ignited. Any adjoining park neighbor who may be impacted will be contacted prior to ignition.

During the burns some park roads and trails may be closed temporarily for visitor safety. Please contact the Bandy Creek Visitor Center at [phone], or Headquarters at [phone] for the latest information on the current status of any burn or associated closure.