Great Smoky Mountains Natl. Park — The National Park Service said it plans to burn approximately 1,000 acres of fields in Cades Cove at Great Smoky Mountains National Park between now and the end of March.
Burn operations could begin as soon as Saturday, Feb. 3, according to NPS. Crews specifically plan to burn the Primitive Baptist unit this weekend.
The fires help reduce fuels, restore habitats and maintain Cades Cove's landscape. It also helps with the encroachment of certain plant species and preserves native species that provide cover and foraging opportunities for wildlife, the NPS said.
These prescribed burns have been happening at Cades Coves for over 20 years, according to the NPS. About 130 acres in Cades Cove were burned last November before conditions became unfavorable.
Before beginning, staff monitors fire conditions to make sure that it's safe to conduct the burn, the NPS said.
Visitors should expect to see firefighters along Sparks Lane and Cades Cove Loop Road. Hyatt Lane and the road to the Primitive Baptist Church will be closed during prescribed burn operations, according to NPS.
The loop road and historic structures will remain open, but delays and temporary closures may happen to ensure public safety during the burn, the NPS said.
Visitors should also expect to see fire activity and smoke during the burn, according to the NPS.
