Press release from the U.S. Forest Service:
Firefighters began burn out operations this afternoon on the Silver Mine Fire near Hot Springs, NC.
Smoke from the burn out operations can be expected over the next few days and may settle in low areas overnight. Winds are expected to carry smoke to the northeast this evening. Smoke may concentrate along Highway 208 tonight and tomorrow morning. The public should be cautious and use headlights when traveling in the area. Smoke sensitive individuals should take appropriate precautions.
Burn out operations are being used to secure containment lines by removing the remaining fuels between the wildfire and the lines. Ground crews are using drip torches to hand-ignite areas near the lines, and a helicopter is being used to ignite interior areas in order to help the burn progress.
The Silver Mine Fire is burning in the Appalachian Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest in Madison County. The fire, reported on Thursday, remains at an estimated 2,500 acres and 10% contained.
The following roads and trails remain closed:
· Roundtop Ridge Trail (#295)
· Appalachian Trail from Town of Hot Springs to Hurricane Gap
· Lovers Leap Loop Trail (#308)
· Pump Gap Trail (#309)
· Hurricane Gap Rd (NC-FSR467 / TN-FSR31 (Cherokee NF))
· Mill Ridge Rd (NC-FSR113)
· Shad Rd (TN-FSR422 (Cherokee NF))
The public is asked to heed signs posted at roads and trailheads and to stay away from fire areas and closed trails. Information on alternate access points to the Appalachian Trail is available from multiple sources in Hot Springs, as well as online at www.appalachiantrail.org.
Firefighters with the U.S. Forest Service, North Carolina Forest Service, local Volunteer Fire Departments, and North Carolina Emergency Management are assisting in suppression efforts. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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