The National Park Service is preparing to conduct a prescribed fire at Chickamauga Battlefield the week of Feb. 25, depending on weather conditions. The planned fire will be on approximately 500 acres north of Viniard-Alexander Road and west of Alexander Bridge Road. These areas include Central Viniard Alexander, East Viniard Alexander and Brotherton East. This will be the second of five prescribed fires taking place in the next several years.
Officials said the goals of this fire are to restore, protect and maintain the historic and cultural landscapes; restore and maintain fire adapted plant communities; reduce hazard fuel accumulations; eradicate invasive woody and exotic vegetation species which compete with native vegetation; and to maintain and promote suitable conditions for limestone glade communities.
Assisting the National Park Service with this burn are the U.S.
Forest Service, The Nature Conservancy, Catoosa County fire fighters and Walker County fire fighters.
Officials said, "Many factors align to conduct a prescribed fire and ensure public and firefighter safety. The timing of the prescribed fire is dependent on weather conditions being within required wind, temperature and relative humidity parameters. Wildland and local fire engines, fire fighters and both Viniard-Alexander Road and Alexander Bridge Road will serve to create buffers and fire breaks to ensure the fire is contained. Smoke will be visible during the burn, but we do not expect any long duration, major impacts to the park or surrounding area due to the small size of the unit and prescription parameters. Upon completion of the fire activity, wildland firefighters will continue to monitor the area to ensure the fire is contained."
Temporary Closures Planned: During the prescribed fire, Viniard-Alexander Road will be closed between LaFayette Road and Alexander’s Bridge Road, Alexander’s Bridge Road between Brotherton Road and the bridge, as well as Jay’s Mill Road, south of Brotherton Road. All trails within the burn area will be closed until fire operations are complete. Additional park roads may need to be closed temporarily if smoke conditions reduce visibility.
For more information about Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, contact the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center at 706-866-9241, ext. 123, the Lookout Mountain Battlefield Visitor Center at 423-821-7786 or visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/chch.