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TUPELO– The National Park Service will conduct prescribed fires along Natchez Trace Parkway beginning January 22. Weather permitting, fire operations will occur throughout the months of February and March. Firefighters plan to burn the following areas:
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Chickasaw County: Hernando de Soto and Monroe Mission, Milepost 243-248
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Pontotoc County: Tockshish Area, Milepost 249-251
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Lee County: Blackbelt, Headquarters and Beech Springs, Old Trace and Confederate Gravesites, Milepost 251-271
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Tishomingo County: Tishomingo State Park, Milepost 303-305
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Colbert County, Alabama: Freedom Hills, Milepost 312-319
Motorists should reduce speed to 30 mph, turn on headlights, and stay alert when smoke is visible. Be aware of park rangers, firefighters, and equipment along the roadway.
There may be short term closures of trails and pullouts during the burns. If visibility falls below 500 feet (150 m), the parkway may be closed until smoke has cleared. Smoke may be visible for several days after the initial prescribed fire.
Prescribed fires reduce hazardous fuels that could burn in a wildfire and help restore native prairie and open woodlands.
Check the park website and social media pages for updates on fire operations. For more information about Natchez Trace Parkway Fire Management, please visit http://www.nps.gov/natr/
Media Release/Tarra Craig/Natchez Trace Parkway
