Prescribed Burn Planned for Bays Mountain in April

Kingsport's popular nature park to conduct controlled fire for forest management

Mar. 27, 2026 at 2:50pm

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Bays Mountain Park in Kingsport, Tennessee has announced plans to conduct a prescribed burn on the park's grounds during the month of April. The controlled fire is part of the park's forest management efforts.

Why it matters

Prescribed burns are a common forest management technique used to reduce wildfire risk, promote healthy ecosystems, and encourage new growth. Bays Mountain Park is a popular natural attraction in the region, drawing visitors to hike its trails and explore its wildlife.

The details

The prescribed burn at Bays Mountain Park will be conducted by park staff and local fire departments to ensure safety and control. Controlled fires like this help eliminate excess vegetation, return nutrients to the soil, and stimulate new plant growth.

  • The prescribed burn is scheduled to take place sometime during the month of April 2026.

The players

Bays Mountain Park

A 3,500-acre nature park located in Kingsport, Tennessee that features hiking trails, a wildlife habitat, and educational programming.

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What’s next

The park will notify the public ahead of the prescribed burn to ensure visitors are aware of the controlled fire activity.

The takeaway

Prescribed burns are an important forest management tool that help maintain the health and safety of natural areas like Bays Mountain Park, allowing visitors to continue enjoying the park's trails and wildlife for years to come.