(MURFREESBORO) Dark clouds of smoke could be seen from miles away while a controlled burn took place Monday. Approximately 117 of the total 700-plus acres at the Stones River National Battlefield were impacted.

Chief Ranger Jim Lewis explained . . .

NewsRadio WGNS asked Lewis how long it would take to complete the controlled burn and to explain more about its purpose . . .

The visitor's center was open as usual, but occasionally the trails were closed. Even with thick smoke in areas of the National Park, rangers would spot tourists walking past signage, heading toward paths and the burn.

Motorists traveling along Thompson Lane, alongside the National Battlefield, witnessed highly trained units from the Mississippi River Fire Management Zone, along with groups from the National Park Service at Chickamauga, Chattanooga National Military Park, and Stones River manage the prescribed burn.