Brasstown Bald Visitor Center & Observation Deck
2941 Highway Spur 180
Hiawassee, GA 30546
Sunday, July 5, 2026
11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Fire can be friend or foe — and our forests know both sides well!
Smokey Bear has spent decades reminding us how easily a single mistake can ignite a destructive wildfire. Our mountains have seen their share of those unintended blazes. But not all fire is accidental… and not all fire is harmful. Some burns are carefully planned, intentionally set, and surprisingly beneficial. But if we’re taught to prevent fires, why do land managers sometimes prescribe them?
Plan Your Visit
Drop in anytime between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM at the visitor center to explore the science of fire ecology. Our educator will guide you through the dangers of wildland fire, the role fire plays in healthy forests, and why a well-planned burn can actually help protect the places we love, all through tabled graphics and information you can take with you too!