Smoke will be seen while crews conduct a controlled burn this week in the Unaka Ranger District of the Cherokee National Forest.
Firefighters with the North Zone of the Cherokee National Forest will be burning approximately 700 acres on the northwest side of Meadow Creek Mountain along Meadow Creek Road beginning today and continuing through Wednesday. An additional 850 acres will be burned on the southwest side of Meadow Creek Mountain in Cocke County, along with 1,950 acres southwest of Erwin.
Prescribed fire is used in the Cherokee National Forest for several reasons, including to reduce fire hazards, improve habitat, and to help manage for desirable vegetation. Crews are responsible for igniting vegetation, monitoring control and spread of fire and smoke, ensuring fire is held by control features, and monitoring fire behavior.
