News Release
NPS
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Contact: Christopher Derman, 423-569-9778
During the spring months of 2024, fire crews will conduct prescribed fire operations located along Bald Knob, in Kentucky, and two field locations in Tennessee. Prescribed fire, as defined in the approved Fire Management Plan, will be located within the boundaries of the park.Approximately 2100 acres are scheduled to be burned, between Water’s Cemetery Road and the Ledbetter Multi-Use trail. During the burn, temporary closures of trails and park roads will occur for visitor safety. These roads and trails include Water’s Cemetery Road, Ledbetter Multi-Use Trail, Oil Well Branch Trail, and Portions of the Kentucky Trail between Oil Well Branch and Water’s Cemetery Road.
Field burning in Tennessee at the Joe Branch area and along Highway 297 along the Upper Burke Field Road will result in minimal impacts to the public with road and trail closures immediately adjacent to fields being burnt. Minimal smoke impacts are expected.
During the burns, some park roads and trails may be closed temporarily for visitor safety. As priority, fire crews are now working on prepping these units to burn safely and effectively. The expectation is and will be to initiate the prescribed fire as soon as possible. Local communities can expect minimal smoke and visibility impacts. During the burns, some park roads and trails may be closed temporarily for visitor safety.
Implementation of burn operations is dependent upon a variety of conditions. Prescribed fires are conducted within specific parameters including temperature, relative humidity, fuel moisture, and wind speed to name a few. One of the benefits of the treatment is to reduce the risk of wildland fire.
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. During the planning of these prescribed burn units, areas of historical, cultural, and ecological importance are protected.
Please call 423-569-9778 for the latest information on the current status of any burn or associated closure.
Tags:
prescribed fire fire
Last updated: March 19, 2024