From the United States Forest Service:
Nantahala National Forest Initial Attack Fire Summary
Firefighters were busy Wednesday on three new fires on the Nantahala National Forest. Initial attack crews responded to the Wine Spring Fire located about 15 miles West of Franklin on the mountain above Dirty John Shooting Range. Containment lines were quickly constructed and burnout operations were conducted to prevent fire spread. Acreage is currently estimated at around 100 acres. Firefighters will strengthen fire lines today. Due to fire activity, the Bartram Trail is closed between Wine Springs Bald and Nantahala Lake.
While fire suppression was underway on the Wine Spring Fire, some resources were called away to another fire about nine miles southwest of Franklin near the entrance of Standing Indian Campground. The Knob Fire has burned more than 250 acres. Crews are completing and improving containment lines today. No structures are currently threatened and the campground is open. Due to fire activity, the Appalachian Trail is closed from Rock Gap to Winding Stairs Gap.
As fire personnel were preparing to get some sleep around 10:30 p.m. Wednesday night, another fire was reported about three miles west of Highlands near the Cliffside Lake Recreation Area. Fire size was estimated at 15 acres last night. Initial attack crews are on the Cliffside Fire and containment lines are being constructed. No structures are reported to be in the immediate area. The Cliffside Day Use Area closed for the season on November 1.
Bartram Trail, from Hickory Knoll Road to State Highway 106, will remain closed through this weekend due to mop up operations and potential hazard identifications from the Jones Gap Fire.
HIGH Fire Danger continues!!
Cooler temperatures are not expected to bring relief from fire danger — relative humidity is also dropping, causing increased drying of vegetation.
NO Campfires allowed except in developed campgrounds with fees.
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