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Great Smoky Mountains National Park trails closed due to wildfire
NOVEMBER 13, 2016 at 5:41 p.m.
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK — Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials temporarily closed several trails near the Chimney Tops Trail due to a 0.25 acre wildfire burning near the summit of the trail. A four-person park fire crew responded to the slow-spreading ground fire at approximately 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, November 13, 2016.
The following trails are closed until further notice: Chimney Tops Trail, Sugarland Mountain Trail, Huskey Gap Trail, and Road Prong Trail. The ground fire is producing a significant amount of smoke, but is primarily burning in the duff layer with flame lengths less than 12 inches. The cause of the fire is unknown.
The temporary ban on campfires in the park’s backcountry remains in effect. The fire ban only applies to campers utilizing the park’s 100+ backcountry sites and shelters. It does not affect campers at the park’s 9 frontcountry (developed) campgrounds or picnickers using fire grills at picnic areas. Fires at developed areas must be confined to designated fire rings and grills. All visitors are asked to take certain precautions to help reduce the risk of wildfires. This includes extinguishing frontcountry fires by mixing water with embers in fire rings and grills. Use of backpacking stoves is still permitted at backcountry campsites.
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Published November 13, 2016 |
