Cause - Project Cades Cove loop road (TN)Park Status - No closures are expected from this activity.Status as of 11/06/2009
Acreage - This week firefighters completed 340 acres. The remainder of the unit will be completed when weather conditions are more favorable for smoke dispersion.
Estimated completion date is 11/25/09.
Overview
Fire management staff from Great Smoky Mountains National Park conducted a prescribed burn near the popular Cades Cove loop road this week. Park officials are conducting the burn this fall to avoid conflicts with roadwork scheduled for the spring.
The last 24-hour activity
On Thursday, November 5, firefighters burned the Martha's Branch and the Sparks Lane units, both near the entrance to the loop, for approximately 240 acres.
Vegetation affected
Mixed hardwoods/pine
Benefits of the burn
This prescribed fire project will help the park maintain a meadow ecosystem in Cades Cove.
Values to be protected
The park's primary concern during this burn is visitor and firefighter safety, especially on the roads. Fire operations are suspended whenever weather conditions indicate that winds will be insufficient to clear smoke from the roads.
Partners involved
The Firestorm contract crew has been supporting staff from the Great Smoky Mountains Wildland Fire Module.