GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK, Tennessee – The Flint Gap Fire burning inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park is now 95% contained after starting nearly a month ago.
Very little fire activity has been observed by firefighters in the area, though they will continue to monitor and fight the fire as needed. Though the fire is almost completely contained, it has not yet been extinguished, though rainfall expected this weekend could further reduce fire behavior.
“The fire team will transition to a Type 5 Incident Commander this week and the fire will be managed by local NPS firefighters—this is a result of decreasing complexity, fire threat and incident complexity.” – NPS
The wildfire’s remote location in the national park’s backcountry meant teams spent weeks developing plans to transport fire crews into the area and set up ways to safely transport crews out in the event of an injury or other emergency. The Hannah Mountain Trail was improved to create easier access in and out of the location.
The fire was first reported to the national park on August 26. It was quickly determined to have been sparked by lighting. There are no structures threatened at this time, though Parson Branch Road and some trails & backcountry camping sites are closed due to fire activity.