The prescribed burn has been canceled, according to the Cherokee National Forest.
There may be some smoky conditions over our area Thursday and possibly into Friday as the Cherokee National Forest carries out some prescribed burns nearby.
The closest is an 815 acre fire that will be set along Rich Mountain Road in Unicoi County, south of the Nolichuckey River. It will be along the right side of Highway 81 that runs into Erwin, but across the river. Depending on wind and weather conditions, that smoke may be visible in Greene County. In addition, aircraft may be used during the process.
According to the National Weather Service, strong, gusty winds are expected in the East Tennessee mountains and adjacent foothills on Friday, with gusts of 40 to 50 mph possible.
UNICOI, Tenn., March 20, 2024 — Wildland firefighters with the Cherokee National Forest are scheduled to conduct prescribed fires on the North Zone of the forest March 21. Communities near Erwin and Watauga Lake may observe periods of smoke and increased aircraft while crews use fire under controlled conditions to reduce wildfire risk, restore forest health and improve wildlife habitat.
Wildland firefighters expect to burn the following areas:
NorCal B (815 acres) – Washington County – Near Erwin, southwest of the Nolichucky River, along Rich Mountain Road (FSR 190).
Cook Hollow (500 acres) – Johnson County – On the Northwest side of Watauga Lake near Sink Mountain Boat Ramp Rd.
Manned and unmanned aircraft are being used to support this and other wildland fire operations. Unmanned aerial systems are primarily used during fires for aerial ignitions, reconnaissance or situational awareness, mapping, remote sensing and tracking the fire’s progression. Unauthorized drones flying over or near wildfires threaten firefighter safety and the effectiveness of wildfire management operations. Unauthorized UAS could lead fire managers to suspend aerial wildfire suppression operations, such as retardant and water drops.
Prescribed fires are used on the Cherokee National Forest to improve wildlife habitat, thin forest fuels, and help manage for desirable vegetation. Prescribed fires target specific areas that need the natural process of fire to improve forest health and reduce wildfire intensity. Firefighters proceed with a prescribed fire only when the conditions outlined in the prescription are met. Prescribed fires are scheduled for the listed areas March 21 but conditions could impact that plan.
