Great Smoky Mountains Fire Grows, More Resources Arrive to Help Fight, Park Says

Fire in Great Smoky Mountains prompts closures (Courtesy: GSMNP)

Great Smoky Mountains Fire Grows, More Resources Arrive to Help Fight, Park Says

Gatlinburg, TN (WOKI) UPDATE: 8/29: Efforts continue Thursday to suppress a fire that broke out earlier this week in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Park officials say the Flint Gap Fire has now grown to about 23 acres and is burning primarily in undergrowth in steep terrain.

The National Guard is helping fight the blaze and firefighters Thursday called-in additional suppression modules as well.

Some campsites, trails and a road remain closed; officials say no structures are threatened.

See below for the current list of area closures.

UPDATE 8/28: Several campsites, trails, and a road in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park remain closed as a small fire which broke out Tuesday has now grown in size.

Park officials say the fire which was about two acres large, has since grown to about 10 acres. Crews have been ordered to fight the blaze from both the air and the ground. Officials add that the Tennessee National Guard is helping fight the fire.

Officials say no structures are threatened at this time, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

See below for the current list of area closures.

ORIGINAL STORY: A small fire in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has prompted the closure of some campsites, trails and a road.

Park officials say the fire is about two acres large and crews have been ordered to fight it from both the air and the ground.

So far, the following areas have closed:

  • Backcountry campsites 14, 15 and 16
  • Parson Branch Road
  • Rabbit Creek Trail from Abrams Creek to Cades Cove
  • Hannah Mountain Trail from Parson Branch Road to Little Bottom Trail

Officials say no structures are threatened at this time.

Fire in Great Smoky Mountains prompts closures (Courtesy: GSMNP)