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Prescribed Burn Planned for Caldwell County, Smoke Possible In Watauga

Last Updated on December 18, 2013 12:35 pm

The U.S. Forest Service plans to conduct a prescribed burn on Thursday Dec. 19, in northern Caldwell County on the Grandfather Ranger District, Pisgah National Forest.

The Forest Service will conduct the 200-acre burn in the Thunderhole Creek area to reduce hazardous fuels and help protect local communities from catastrophic wildfire.

Public safety is the highest priority during a prescribed burn. Smoke may be visible in Caldwell, Avery, and Watauga counties, including the towns of Blowing Rock, Boone, Linville, Foscoe and Collettsville. Drivers should use caution when traveling in these areas as there may be smoke and firefighters on the roads. The Forest Service will conduct modeling to ensure appropriate weather conditions and reduce the effects of smoke.

The following partners are assisting with the project: North Carolina Forest Service; Blue Ridge Parkway; Blowing Rock Fire Department; The Nature Conservancy; and Collettsville Volunteer Fire Department.

For more information on restoring fire to the mountains, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/nfsnc/home/?cid=STELPRDB5407778

3:35pm – Here's a view of the drift smoke in downtown Boone from the live camera page

Watauga Roads Screen Shot098

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