Firefighter participating in prescribed fire / NPS

During the spring months of 2019, fire crews are planning to conduct two prescribed fires located at the Bald Knob and Bear Creek areas, in the Kentucky section of Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Prescribed fire, as defined in the approved Fire Management Plan, will be located within the boundaries of the park.

Approximately 1,000 acres along the end of the Ledbetter multi-use trail are scheduled to be burned. Additionally, approximately 120 acres along the Bear Creek Rd, (Newtie King area), will also be burned. During the burns, some park roads and trails may be closed temporarily for visitor safety.

As priority, fire crews are now working on prepping these units to burn safely and effectively. The expectation is and will be to initiate the prescribed fire as soon as possible. Local communities can expect minimal smoke and visibility impacts.

Implementation of burn operations is dependent upon a variety of conditions. Prescribed fires are conducted within specific parameters including temperature, relative humidity, fuel moisture, and wind speed to name a few.

Fire is an essential, natural process, having shaped the landscape for thousands of years, releasing, and recycling nutrients tied up in vegetation, duff, and organic soil layers, improving the overall health of plants and animals. During the planning of these prescribed burn units, areas of historical, cultural, and ecological importance are protected.

Please contact Bandy Creek Visitor Center at (423) 286-7275 for the latest information on the current status of any burn or associated closure.