The National Park Service will be conducting a prescribed fire at Chickamauga Battlefield this week depending on weather conditions.

They say to expect temporary road closures.

NPS says this will be the first of five prescribed fires taking place in the next several years.

The planned fire will be on approximately 153 acres north of Viniard-Alexander Road.

NPS says the goals of this fire are to restore, protect, and maintain the historic and cultural landscapes; restore and maintain fire adapted plant communities; reduce hazard fuel accumulations; eradicate invasive woody and exotic vegetation species which compete with native vegetation and to maintain and promote suitable conditions for limestone glade communities.

This will be the first ever prescribed fire conducted at Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park.

NPS says many factors align to conduct a prescribed fire and ensure public and firefighter safety.

The time of the prescribed fire depends on weather conditions being within required wind, temperature, and relative humidity parameters.

Wildland and local fire engines, fire fighters and Viniard-Alexander Road will serve to create buffers and fire breaks to ensure the fire is contained, NPS says.

They say smoke will be visible during the burn, but they do not expect any long duration or major impacts to the park or surrounding area due to the small size of the unit and prescription parameters.

During the prescribed fire, NPS Viniard-Alexander Road will be closed between LaFayette Road and Alexander Bridge Road.

All trails within the burn area will be closed until firing operations are complete.

NPS says additional park roads may need to be closed temporarily if smoke conditions reduce visibility.