Update on Fire in the Nantahala National Forest

The U.S. Forest Service published an alert on their website yesterday regarding a 60-acre wildfire in the Tusquitee Ranger District of the Nantahala National Forest. Today they're reporting that the fire has grown to 750 acres.

Close to 40 U.S. Forest Service and North Carolina Forest Service firefighters are suppressing the wildfire. Control lines are in place, and the fire is 100 percent contained. Forest Service officials predict it will be another couple days before the fire is fully controlled. Forecasts of rain tonight and tomorrow could help in extinguishing the fire.

One hundred percent of the fire is on national forest land and no structures are threatened. No injuries were reported. The fire is located about 14 miles northwest of Murphy near Turner Top mountain. The terrain is steep and rugged.

Suppression efforts include a U.S. Forest Service hot shot crew, district staff and N.C. Forest Service resources on the ground. A type three helicopter is also on the scene. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

The fire was reported to the Forest Service Sunday evening.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com