Spring Season Prescribed Fires to Begin at Big South Fork

Firefighter participating in prescribed fire operations

News Release Date: March 17, 2017

Contact: Christopher Derman, [phone]

During the next few weeks, fire crews will be conducting a series of prescribed fires within Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Prescribed fires, as defined in the approved Fire Management Plan, will be located within the boundaries of the park.
 
Prescribed fires at Divide Road North project, Joe’s Branch Fields, and other fields in Tennessee, may be conducted only if weather and conditions meet the defined prescription. During the burns some park roads and trails may be closed temporarily for visitor safety.
 
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.
 
Please contact the Bandy Creek Visitor Center at [phone] for the latest information on the current status of any burn or associated closure.