Press Release from the USFS:
Boteler Peak fire: A Type 1 incident management team is on the way to manage the Boteler Peak fire. Fire management personnel have implemented plans to keep the fire from spreading. As a precaution, dozer lines are currently being constructed behind structures north of Old Highway 64 and Pendland Road, as well as east of Vineyard Road. Incident Commander Chad Cook said, “We want to hold the fire to the area it is in.” The cause of the fire is unknown. It was first reported on October 25th on Boteler Peak, located west of Chunky Gal Mountain near Hayesville. Helicopters have dumped thousands of gallons of water in attempts to slow fire spread. Additional fire crews arrived on Monday and more are on the way. Steep, rough, rocky terrain in the roadless area has added to the complexity of firefighting operations. The fire area grew over the weekend from 2 acres to an estimated 380 acres as unseasonably warm, dry conditions continue. Local residents are asked to please refrain from tying up phone lines to emergency and fire personnel, except in the case of an actual emergency.
Jones Gap Fire: Started October 29th near Bartram Trail, northwest of Highlands. Containment lines are being monitored, patrolled and secured as needed. Bartram Trail, from Hickory Knoll Road to State Highway 106, will remain closed through this weekend.
Moses Creek Fire: Started October 28th on Sheep Mountain, northeast of Cullowhee. Crews continue to patrol and monitor containment lines. The fire area is 28 acres.
Grape Cove Fire: Started October 26th near Grape Cove Branch located north of Rufus Morgan Falls, near Franklin – The Boardtree Road (Forest Service Road 388) that leads to Rufus Morgan Trailhead is still closed but, may re-open by late Tuesday afternoon (today). Hazard trees along the road have now been removed. The 11-acre fire area is being patrolled and monitored.
Dicks Creek Fire: Started October 23rd northwest of Sylva – patrol and monitoring continuing as needed. The fire area is 374 acres.
High fire danger today as hot, dry conditions continue!
No campfires allowed except in developed campgrounds with fees.
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