Smoke plumes along Highway 421 in Bristol expected during USDA prescribed burn

Residents and travelers near South Holston Lake are being cautioned about seeing smoke and potential fires that are planned for the Bristol, Tennessee portion of the Cherokee National Forest.

A USDA & US Forest Service report said federal lands 5 miles east of Bristol along Highway 421 are the target areas for the prescribed burns conducted by expert forestry officials to reduce the amount of debris and other fuels on the forest floor and to advance the cycles of plant growth and animal habitat.

Weather conditions will play a role in daily forest activity for the workers.

(GRAPHIC: Property of USDA Forest Service, Cherokee National Forest / Official Facebook)