Prescribed Burns Scheduled In Cherokee National Forest

Thursday, the U.S. Forest Service announced plans to have what are called prescribed burns in areas of the Cherokee National Forest between now and December 15th. In the Unaka District, which includes Cocke & Greene Counties, there are several areas that will be affected…

In Cocke County:

700 acres on Northwest side of Meadow Creek Mtn along Meadow Creek Rd

750 acres on the Southside of Meadow Creek Mtn below the Meadow Creek Fire Tower along Meadow Creek Rd and also just north of Hwy 107. Bubbling Springs shooting range will be closed during this burn. And will be closed for an 850 acres fire on the southwest side of Meadow Creek Mtn along Meadow Creek Trail.

In Greene County…the fires will be smaller areas…580 & 170 acres…

Northwest of Rough Branch along Upper Rough Branch Rd (FSR93

At the end of Brushy Road (FSR31B) along Little Paint Creek

According to the Forest Service, Prescribed fires are used in the Cherokee National Forest for several reasons, including to reduce fire hazards, improve habitat, and to help in management for desirable vegetation. Forest Service Managers say that because of changing weather conditions, it is difficult to say exactly what days burns will be conducted. In many cases the decision to burn cannot be made until the actual day of the burn. So just be aware if you are in those areas for those prescribed burns over the next couple months.