Prescribed burning reintroduces fire into ecosystems where past management has focused on immediate suppression. Research has shown that fire is one of many naturally occurring factors that influence the health and diversity of plant communities. For prescribed fire to be effective and safe, burns only occur when conditions such as wind speed and direction, relative humidity, temperature, and fuel moisture meet the "prescription."
Stones River National Battlefield uses prescribed fire to maintain the historic landscape, control exotic plant species which compete with native vegetation, and reduce the buildup of hazardous fuels. Whenever the park conducts prescribed burns, news releases, social media posts, and community notices are distributed.
