Firefighters are actively working to suppress two wildfires in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. As of Saturday, March 28th, the Rabbit Creek Fire sat at around 48 acres with 75% containment. The Fox Gap Fire, which was first discovered by rangers on Wednesday, March 25th, has reached around 112 acres with 30% containment.
Both wildfires are in steep, remote terrain, making the work of firefighters much more difficult. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is receiving assistance from Cherokee National Forest, Nantahala National Forest, and further U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management personnel. Â
Several areas are under temporary closures for public safety related to the fires, including Twentymile Trail from the Twentymile Ranger Station to the intersection with Twentymile Loop Trail and Long Hungry Ridge Trail, Backcountry Campsites 16 and 93, Rabbit Creek Trail from Abrams Creek Campground to Hannah Mountain Trail, and Cooper Road Trail from Abrams Creek Campground to Little Bottoms Trail.
Additionally, Abrams Creek Campground Road is currently closed to all visitors to provide fire crews with a safe area to stage equipment and access the fire. Up to date information on closures and conditions are availalble on the National Park website.
