Google+
Home / Local / Park Firefighters Fighting Wildfire Near Abrams Creek
Park Firefighters Fighting Wildfire Near Abrams Creek

Park Firefighters Fighting Wildfire Near Abrams Creek

Great Smoky Mountains National Park firefighters are fighting a 25-acre wildfire located along the northwest boundary of the park north of the Abrams Creek Campground area. The Happy Valley Ridge Fire was reported at approximately 6:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2016. Firefighters from the park and the Tennessee Division of Forestry responded to the fire, which is located inside the park boundary.

Primarily, the fire is slowly spreading with flame lengths less than three feet high through a pine-oak forest. At times, the active fire reached flame heights between five to six feet high during the hottest, driest periods of the afternoon. The fire is burning within a suppression fire zone due to the proximity to the park boundary. A 10-person Hotshot fire crew from the Cherokee National Forest will assist with fire suppression efforts in the morning.

The current location of the fire is not threatening any structures, roads, or trails. All park areas remain open at this time. Visitors should expect to see smoke from the Foothills Parkway West and the Abrams Creek area of the park. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time, but a natural, lightening start is possible.

UPDATE: September 19, 2016

70-Acre Happy Valley Ridge Fire 50% Contained
 
The Happy Valley Ridge Fire, located along the northwest boundary of the park north of the Abrams Creek Campground, is currently 70 acres in size. The fire is considered 50% contained and is currently burning within a 250-acre containment zone established by National Park Service firefighters and 11 hotshot crew members from the Cherokee National Forest.
Over the last 24 hours, the area received 0.5″ of rain which slowed the spread of fire by ground. Stumps and logs are still actively burning. Fire crews continue to monitor the site. All park areas, including trails, remain open.

About Submitted Report

These are articles or announcements submitted to the Sevier News Messenger by individuals, businesses, agencies or organizations. If you have news to share, please submit it through our Contact Page.