News Release

Prescribed Fire Planned at Chickamauga Battlefield

Date: February 22, 2024
Contact: Kim Coons, 706-866-9241, ext. 139

Fort Oglethorpe, GA:   The planned fire will be on approximately 500 acres north of Viniard-Alexander Road and west of Alexander Bridge Road.  These areas include Central Viniard Alexander, East Viniard Alexander and Brotherton East, see attached map. This will be the second of five prescribed fires taking place in the next several years.

The goals of this fire are to restore, protect, and maintain the historic and cultural landscapes; restore and maintain fire adapted plant communities; reduce hazard fuel accumulations; eradicate invasive woody and exotic vegetation species which compete with native vegetation and to maintain and promote suitable conditions for limestone glade communities.

Assisting the National Park Service with this burn are the US Forest Service, The Nature Conservancy, Catoosa County fire fighters, and Walker County fire fighters.

Many factors align to conduct a prescribed fire and ensure public and firefighter safety.  The timing of the prescribed fire is dependent on weather conditions being within required wind, temperature, and relative humidity parameters. Wildland and local fire engines, fire fighters and both Viniard-Alexander Road and Alexander Bridge Road will serve to create buffers and fire breaks to ensure the fire is contained. Smoke will be visible during the burn, but we do not expect any long duration, major impacts to the park or surrounding area due to the small size of the unit and prescription parameters.  Upon completion of the fire activity, wildland firefighters will continue to monitor the area to ensure the fire is contained.

Temporary Closures Planned: During the prescribed fire, Viniard-Alexander Road will be closed between LaFayette Road and Alexander’s Bridge Road,  Alexander’s Bridge Road between Brotherton Road and the bridge, as well as Jay’s Mill Road, south of Brotherton Road.  All trails within the burn area will be closed until fire operations are complete.  Additional park roads may need to be closed temporarily if smoke conditions reduce visibility.

For more information about Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, please contact the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center at 706-866-9241, ext. 123, the Lookout Mountain Battlefield Visitor Center at 423-821-7786 or visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/chch.