Prescribed Burning Planned at South Holston Lake on Friday

U.S. Forest Service to conduct controlled fires in Cherokee National Forest to reduce wildfire risk

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service will be conducting prescribed fires in the Cherokee National Forest in Sullivan County, Tennessee on Friday. The Jones Ridge prescribed fire is planned along South Holston Lake, just north of U.S. Highway 421 and five miles east of Bristol. Smoke will be visible throughout the day, and access to the lake in that area could be interrupted for several days for public safety.

Why it matters

Prescribed burns are a common forest management technique used to reduce the risk of larger, more dangerous wildfires by clearing out underbrush and other flammable materials. This helps maintain the health of forest ecosystems in the region.

The details

The prescribed fires will take place in the Cherokee National Forest along South Holston Lake. The public is advised to watch for warning signs along roads near the burn areas before and during the fires. Drivers are also reminded to reduce speed and use low-beam headlights if smoky conditions develop. The Forest Service will be providing updates on air quality and the progress of the burns through their social media channels.

  • The prescribed fires are scheduled for Friday, March 5, 2026.
  • Access to the South Holston Lake area could be interrupted for several days following the burns for public safety.

The players

U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service

The federal agency responsible for managing and protecting national forests and grasslands, including the Cherokee National Forest where the prescribed burns will take place.

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What’s next

Interactive maps of planned and completed burns for 2026 are available on the Forest Service Southern Region's Prescribed Burn Accomplishment Tracker.

The takeaway

Controlled burns are an important tool for forest management, helping to mitigate the risk of larger, more dangerous wildfires and maintain the overall health of the ecosystem. While these prescribed fires may cause temporary disruptions, they are a necessary and proactive measure to protect the local community and environment.