Chattanooga, TN – According to the officials, the burn, targeting a half-acre meadow planted with native seeds, was carried out to control the encroachment of ash trees and maintain soil moisture levels.

The burn began at 1 PM, timed with optimal humidity levels and wind conditions.

The dog park and a portion of the walking path were closed during the operation, which lasted about an hour, while smoke was visible in the area.

This prescribed burn is part of a broader project led by the City of Chattanooga in partnership with the Southeastern Grasslands Institute to restore a natural grassland community.

Now in its third year, the project aims to promote and enhance native grassland biodiversity through such controlled burns.