OAK RIDGE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) –
Residents in and around Oak Ridge may notice smoke or fire activity Monday and Tuesday as planned burns take place on portions of the U.S. Department of Energy Oak Ridge Reservation east of Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
According to the Oak Ridge Fire Department, the prescribed burns are being conducted in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy and the Tennessee Division of Forestry and are scheduled for October 26 and October 27.
The controlled burns will occur at the Freels, Solway and Gallaher Bend fields east of ORNL. Combined, the burn areas total less than 160 acres. Officials say operations are expected to begin after 11 a.m. each day and conclude by approximately 6 p.m., with individual burns typically lasting between 30 and 60 minutes.
Fire officials emphasized that the burns are planned, monitored and conducted under controlled conditions.
The Department of Energy uses prescribed burns as a land management tool to support wildlife habitat, encourage the growth of native vegetation and reduce the buildup of combustible vegetation that can contribute to wildfires.
The burns will be overseen by trained personnel and certified burn managers from the Tennessee Division of Forestry, who will maintain fire suppression equipment and monitor conditions throughout the operation.
Residents may notice temporary smoke in the area during the burns, but officials stress that the activity is intentional and does not indicate an emergency situation.
Authorities are encouraging residents who see smoke near the reservation to be aware of the scheduled burns and avoid unnecessary concern. No road closures or public safety issues have been announced in connection with the project.
Additional information about the planned burns is available through the City of Oak Ridge.
