Smoke is from controlled fire

CLEVELAND, Tenn. — A 1,700-acre prescribed burn is being conducted in the Wolf Ridge area of the Ocoee Ranger District of the Cherokee National Forest, officials said.

Smoke from the fire has had raised some concerns, according to area residents.

The controlled fire is being conducted near Peavine Road, about two miles east of the Sylco Campground, according to National Forest Service spokesman Terry McDonald.

He said the burns began about mid-morning and are scheduled to continue throughout the day, weather permitting.

He said prescribed burns are used as a management tool for the forest to reduce fuel and protect against wildfire potential later in the season.