Press release from the U.S. Forest Service, shared April 8:

MURPHY — The U.S. Forest Service plans to conduct a prescribed burn today (April 9) on about 1,000 acres near the Fires Creek area in Clay County. The burn site is approximately 3 miles northwest of the town of Hayesville. The one-day prescribed burn will take place in the Tusquitee Ranger District, Nantahala National Forest.

The prescribed burn will reduce the amount of fuel on the forest floor, preventing catastrophic wildfire and reducing risks to nearby communities. The burn will also improve habitat for fire-adapted species.

Public safety is the highest priority during a prescribed burn.

Smoke may be visible at times. Visitors should avoid this area of the national forest during the prescribed burn.

Click here for more information on “Restoring Fire to the Mountains.”

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Angie Newsome was the executive director and editor of Carolina Public Press. Contact her at (828) 774-5290 or e-mail her at anewsome@carolinapublicpress.org.

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