GATLINBURG, Tenn. (FOX CAROLINA) — The National Park Service will conduct a prescribed burn in the Cataloochee Valley area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Tuesday, weather permitting.

Fire managers intend to burn approximately 89 acres across six fields to reduce hazardous fuels, restore native meadow habitats and maintain the historic landscape of the valley.

The Cataloochee Valley area in Haywood County is not far from where the Panther Creek fire has been burning, which was reported to be 30% contained as of Sunday night.

Officials said that prescribed fire is used to prevent the encroachment of woody vegetation, promote the growth of native grasses and wildflowers, and support wildlife species. Without periodic fire, these open areas would gradually transition to forest,

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