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Efforts Continue To Douse Wildfire At Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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By NPT Staff - November 25th, 2016

Work continued Friday to put out a wildfire burning near the top of the Chimney Tops Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Park staff said the fire had grown to roughly 3 acres since being spotted Wednesday evening. The slow-moving, backing fire is burning through the shallow duff layer in the understory of the heath balds along the northeast slope of the Chimney Tops over extremely steep, rugged terrain, a release said.

“We are experiencing extremely dry conditions throughout the park and we are asking for the public’s help to prevent uncontrolled wildfires,” said Chief Ranger Steve Kloster. “The cause of the fire near Chimney Tops appears to be human caused. If anyone has information regarding the origin of this fire, or other fires in the park, please call the park’s Tip Line at 865-436-1580.”

Park fire crews were establishing containment lines utilizing trails, drainages, and hand-built lines. Smoke is visible from overlooks along Newfound Gap Road. The Chimney Tops Trail and Road Prong Trail remain closed, but the Sugarland Mountain Trail and Huskey Gap Trail have been reopened.

Comments

Submitted by SmokiesBackpacker on November 27, 2016 - 7:54pm.

Here is a video of the fire from this afternoon.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzD-2hHXhn0


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