Wildfire in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is not as large as thought: What we know
The National Park Service has updated its estimate of the size of a wildfire burning near Hannah Mountain on the Tennessee side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The initial notification of the issue, via an Aug. 28 news release, said that it covered around 10 acres. The fire was assumed to have expanded to 23 acres, however a recent NPS report stated that more accurate mapping revealed a smaller extent.
This is what you should know
Where is the fire in the Smoky Mountains?
On the evening of August 26, a wildfire was discovered on Hannah Mountain, south of Abrams Creek. According to a news release dated August 29, the fire had spread from 10 to 23 acres.
The National Park Service reported Monday, Aug. 30, that after attempts to contain the flames and more accurate mapping of the site, the fire is now estimated to be 16.3 acres in a remote portion of the park, primarily undergrowth in steep terrain.
Is the Smokies wildfire under control?
On August 28, the Tennessee National Guard continued to provide aerial support, dropping 25,000 gallons of water on the fire.
On August 29, a Type 3 helicopter was dispatched to assist, including an assessment of ground crews’ options for safely addressing the fire. Firefighters were able to map the fire by pacing its perimeter, and they will continue to monitor it today, August 30, to identify areas where workers can safely contain and battle it.
While the fire is still burning, the press release said that no structures are now at risk.
What is currently closed in the Smoky Mountains?
According to NPS news releases, the following areas were closed due to the fire:
- Backcountry campgrounds 14, 15, and 16.
- Parson’s Branch Road.
- Rabbit Creek Trail connects Abrams Creek and Cades Cove.
- Hannah Mountain Trail joins Parson Branch Road with Little Bottom Trail.
What sparked the Smokies wildfire?
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation sent a flyover on August 27 to assist in mapping and monitoring the fire, but the cause of the conflagration was still being examined as of August 30.
Iris Seaton is a trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Email her at [email protected].
