Two controlled burns to take place on March 20

Monroe County E-911 is advising residents of two controlled burns taking place on Friday, March 20, 2026.

The burns are: Fingerboard Road Burn (Approx. 165 acres) and Coon Creek Area (Approx. 1,300 acres).

Monroe County says a helicopter will be operating in the area and the burns will begin around noon.

They are expected to continue until 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Locals can expect visible smoke throughout the area, possible increased aircraft activity, and fire personnel actively monitoring both sites.

These are planned and controlled burns conducted by forestry officials.

They ask individuals to not call 911 to report this smoke unless you see something outside of these areas or that appears unsafe.