The Environmental Journal of Southern Appalachia

Displaying items by tag: smokies wildfire

FlintGapFire9That’s not the natural ‘smoke’ of the Smokies. The Flint Gap fire has burned about 50 acres south of Abrams Creek in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  National Park Service

Firefighters stage in Abrams Creek Campground in national park as more resources arrive

Katie Liming is a public affairs officer with Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

GATLINBURG — The Flint Gap Fire is 46 acres as of the last estimate. Although the fire is presently uncontained, only a few areas are actively burning within the perimeter. Once firefighter access and safety in this remote and steep terrain is addressed, a full suppression strategy will be executed.

The fire did not receive as much rain over the weekend as previously predicted; however, a local weather station did show that 0.34 inches fell on the fire early Sept. 17.

On Monday, the fire responded to decreasing relative humidities, 10 mph winds and afternoon direct sunlight with some increased activity and additional smoke. The fire is currently backing through fingers of available fuels with flame lengths of 1-3 feet in some areas. Fire activity is primarily in areas with pockets of pine litter and near drainages. 

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wears valley fireSevier County Emergency Management Agency

Forest fire above Wears Valley in Sevier County nears full containment; Seymour fire under control

UPDATE APRIL 4: The Sevier County Emergency Management Agency said the Hatcher Mountain/Indigo Lane fire is largely extinguished. Fire crews continue to further subdue the Millstone Gap fire near the Sevier/Blount county line. 

The National Weather Service warns of continued high fire danger citing breezy winds and low humidity. Widespread rainfall is forecasted to fall beginning tomorrow.

Officials said the Hatcher Mountain fire ultimately burned 2,500 acres, and damaged or destroyed 300 structures.

UPDATE APRIL 1: Fire crews focusing on the stubborn Hatcher Mountain fire had to pivot in part early Friday to also fight a new wildfire in Seymour near the Blount and Sevier county lines.

Sevier County officials said the Wears Valley-area fire was 45-percent contained this afternoon following a significant brew-up late Thursday. At least 100 structures/dwellings had been “affected” by the fire, which has consumed at least 3,739 acres. Numerous rental cabins and homes have been lost.

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