KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Smoke was visible in the Knoxville area Wednesday afternoon, prompting concerns about a possible fire in the area.
Jeff Bagwell with Rural Metro said the state forestry department was conducting a prescribed burn in the Seven Islands State Birding Park on Wednesday, causing the smoke. Prescribed burns are conducted in a controlled setting, reducing the brush and shrubs that could otherwise be used as a fuel source during a harmful wildfire.
The burns also encourage native vegetation to grow and help maintain the plant and animal species which may rely on regular periods of burns. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture said the burns return nutrients to the soil, helping create healthy habitats.
