ATHENS, Tenn. (AP) -- An invasion of fire ants following heavy rains in East Tennessee has shut down all athletic fields at the Athens Regional Park.

City Parks and Recreation Director Austin Fesmire told the Chattanooga Times Free Press that no one noticed any ant infestation on the soccer and softball fields as late as Tuesday but anthills began appearing on Wednesday. Now hundreds of anthills are visible.

Closed signs are posted and the fields are closed indefinitely. Fesmire said a treatment product will be applied in the next few days.

Fesmire said it is the first ant infestation on the turf grass. He said recent rains apparently created ideal conditions for the ants.

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