*A prescribed burn took place yesterday in Cades Cove, Tennessee. I will post videos in a later post.
Yesterday, I enjoyed a wonderful day in the Cove with friends. The Cove is always beautiful, but watching it go from fog to fire was amazing.
I’ve been to the Cove when they had a controlled burn, but I never tried documenting it because I was busy photographing wildlife. I enjoyed capturing all the different aspects, from laying down the fire to witnessing it up close. New growth will start occurring in weeks.
One of my favorite shots is of an ignition crew member from the Nature Conservancy uses a drip torch to start the fire.
The National Park Service described the benefits of a controlled burn including: “reducing wildfire risk by managing fuel loads, restoring natural habitats for wildlife, controlling invasive species, maintaining cultural landscapes at historic sites, and promoting the growth of native plant species, all while ensuring safety for visitors, staff, and surrounding communities through careful planning and execution under optimal conditions.”
A volunteer stood near the fire, so I gave her a nicely pressed Tennessee mask. I also wore a mask for a good bit during the burn.
One lady pulled beside me, propped her elbow on her steering wheel, put her head on her fist, and sat watching the fire. If you’ve never been during a controlled burn, I’d suggest going if the smoke wouldn't bother you or make you sick. I think you’d like it.
Many more photos from the day showing the transformation of the Cove from fog to fire can be found on my Facebook photography page:
https://www.facebook.com/judyroyalglennphotography/
Please feel free to visit my website:
https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com/
Location: Cades Cove, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
