NORTH CAROLINA — Several prescribed burns will take place Monday, March 21 in the North Carolina mountains to help reduce the risk of wildfires and increase wildlife habitat diversity, officials with the Forest Service announced.
An 894-acre burn will take place in Franklin. Officials say the Appalachian Trail between Wayah Bald and Burningtown Gap will be temporarily closed for visitor and firefighter safety.
Additionally, a 2,500-acre prescribed burn will take place in the Pisgah Forest. Several trails and roads will be closed during the burn. They include:
- Trails: 103 Buckhorn Gap, 325 Horse Cove, 148 Cantrell Creek, 133 South Mills from Gauging Station to Cantrell Creek Lodge
- Roads: 476 Wolf Ford Road, 5018 Funnel Top Road, 5059 Buckhorn Gap
All burn times are subject to change based on current weather conditions.