TN, AL, and MS: The Natchez Trace Parkway released its prescribed fire (controlled burning) schedule for 2014-2015. From December 2014 through September 2015, prescribed fire operations will be conducted at various locations along the Parkway (see table below).
| Prescribed Fire Name | Milepost | Prescribed Fire Name | Milepost | |
| MP 404 Burn Pile | 404.4 | Arlington WUI | 260.9 – 261.1 | |
| Tobacco Farm | 401.7 – 403.1 | Lakeside WUI | 259.9 – 260.8 | |
| MP 401 Barrens | 400.9 – 401.6 | Hernando de Soto | 243.2 – 245.9 W | |
| ML Hiking Trails | 385.7 | Monroe Mission | 243.2 – 245.9 E | |
| MP 386 Burn Pile | 385.6 | Chickasaw Agency | 241.0 – 241.6 | |
| Old Trace Drive | 375.3 – 377.5 | MP 231 Burn Pile | 231.2 | |
| MP 334 Burn Pile | 334.0 | MP 219 Burn Pile | 219.1 | |
| MP 309 Burn Pile | 309.5 | Little Mountain | 192.9 – 193.3 | |
| Tishomingo State Park | 304.0 – 304.9 | MP 148 Burn Pile | 148.4 | |
| Twentymile Overlook | 278.3 – 278.6 | MP 120 Burn Pile | 119.5 | |
| Need Center | 265.2 – 266.5 | West Florida Boundary | 107.9 – 108.2 | |
| Lakeshire Woodlands | 262.4 – 263.8 | Boyd Site | 106.7 – 107.3 | |
| Chickasaw Village | 261.4 – 262.0 | Rocky Springs | 54.1 – 55.8 |
Prescribed fire is a useful and cost effective tool for managing the forests and grasslands that encompass the Parkway. Prescribed fire reduces the buildup of dead woody material, decreases the risk of catastrophic wildfire, perpetuates fire dependent vegetation, reduces exotic vegetation, provides habitat and forage for animals, and restores the natural role of fire in a healthy ecosystem.
During prescribed fire operations, smoke warning signs will be placed along the Parkway as a precaution. Motorists should travel at a safe speed with headlights on when smoke is visible. Please be aware of park rangers, firefighting personnel, and equipment along the roadway and mow line. If visibility falls below 500 feet, the Parkway may be temporarily closed until smoke has cleared. Some smoke may be visible for several days after initial prescribed fire operations have ended.
For more information about the Natchez Trace Parkway Fire Management Division, please visit http://www.nps.gov/natr/
