Prescribed Forest Burning Near Erwin and Watauga Lake Today

Today, wildland firefighters in Johnson and Washington County, TN, are carrying out two prescribed burns near Erwin and Watauga Lake. One burn is located southwest of the Nolichucky River, along Rich Mountain Road, near Erwin. The second is in the Cook Hollow area of Johnson County, on the Northwestern side of Watauga Lake near Sink Mountain Boat Ramp Rd.

What to Expect

The forest officials have reported that those near the mentioned locations may observe smoke and increased aircraft activity. Both manned and unmanned aircraft will be deployed to aid in the operations. Residents and visitors in the vicinity should not panic, as these are managed and controlled burns, carried out by skilled wildland firefighters.

Reason for the Burning

The controlled burning is not a cause for alarm; instead, it’s an integral part of forest management strategies. Prescribed fires serve multiple benefits such as improving wildlife habitat, enhancing forest health, and reducing wildfire risk. The burnings are specifically designed to invigorate the healthier plants and trees, while reducing non-native and disease-ridden ones. The resulting nutrient-rich soil from the burnt vegetation provides an excellent environment for new, healthier trees to grow.

The Impact on Wildfire Risks

Apart from forest health, one of the significant benefits of prescribed burns is the reduction of wildfire risk. Accumulation of dead vegetation can serve as fuel during a wildfire. By periodically igniting controlled fires, the possible fuel load for potential wildfires is reduced, thus significantly mitigating the likelihood and potential destructiveness of future wildfires.

What Locals Should Do

As visibility may be mildly impacted due to the smoke from the burns, locals and motorists in proximity to Erwin and Watauga Lake are advised to remain cautious while commuting. It’s also recommendable for residents with breathing difficulties like asthma to stay indoors as much as they can to avoid smoke inhalation.

Before prescribed burns, forest officials usually notify local residents, nearby communities, and visitors who plan to use public lands for recreational activities. However, those not notified should stay calm upon witnessing smoke or increased aircraft activity in the aforementioned areas; these are controlled operations led by trained professionals. If for some reason people feel like an actual emergency is underway, they should not hesitate to reach out to the local authorities.