Additional units are expected to arrive on site on Wednesday and in the following days to help fight the fire. Officials say no buildings are currently in danger.
A forest fire reported on Monday in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has led to the closure of roads, trails and campsites in the park, according to park authorities.
These closures have remained in effect since Wednesday while emergency services attempt to bring the fire under control.
The fire, called the Flint Gap Fire, was estimated to be about 10 acres around noon on Tuesday, August 27. No structures are currently at risk, according to a news release.
The fire is located near Hannah Mountain in Tennessee, south of Abrams Creek in the park. It was first reported on the evening of August 26 and authorities say the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park spans North Carolina and Tennessee. The fire was reported in Tennessee, about 50 miles southeast of Knoxville and near the North Carolina border.
The Tennessee National Guard provided aerial support to combat the flames on Tuesday afternoon and will continue to assist firefighters on Wednesday, officials said.
What is the status of the Flint Gap Fire?
Additional air and ground resources are expected to arrive in the park on Wednesday morning and over the next few days, including:
- Operations Manager Type 3
- 3 suppression modules with 7-10 people each
- 1 helicopter type 3.
Where is Great Smoky Mountains National Park closed?
The following closures apply in the park:
- Hinterland campsites 14, 15 and 16.
- Parson Branch Street
- The Rabbit Creek Trail from Abrams Creek to Cades Cove is closed.
- Hannah Mountain Trail from Parson Branch Road to Little Bottom Trail.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation assisted park officials with an overflight on Tuesday to help map and monitor the fires.
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected] and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
