GATLINBURG, Tenn. (AP) - Fire management officials in the Great Smoky Mountains said the national park could be, well, a little smoky starting on Monday.
That's because officials plan to begin a series of prescribed burns at Cades Cove Meadows that will last through Friday. If the weather permits, park officials plan to burn a total of 570 acres. The move is part of a cost-effective strategy to prevent the forest from reclaiming the open fields.
Officials said visitors may experience brief delays on Cades Cove Loop Road due to smoke or other concerns. They said drivers should reduce speed while traveling through a work zone and if smoke is present, keep windows up and headlights on.
Fire management officer Dave Loveland said the smoke should dissipate quickly and not "unduly impact"
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