Press Release from U.S. Department of Agriculture:
A summary of the Nantahala National Forest wildfire-
Boteler Peak fire: Started October 25 on Boteler Peak west of Chunky Gal Mountain near Murphy. Additional ground crews arrived today to assist with firefighting efforts. Helicopters have been the primary source of suppression due to fire location. Steep, rough, rocky terrain with no road or trail nearby has hampered access. The fire area grew over the weekend from 2 acres to an estimated 225 acres as unseasonably warm, dry conditions continue. Additional boots on the ground will assist fire personnel in planning and establishing containment lines.
Jones Gap fire: Started October 29 near Bartram Trail, northwest of Highlands. Containment lines are still being secured. Smoke could be visible today with burnout operations. Hot spots and hazard trees are being addressed near containment lines. The final containment area is expected to be around 100 acres.
The Cliffside Day Use Area between Highlands and Franklin is closed to allow lake usage as a helicopter dip site for area fires. Bartram Trail is also closed from Hickory Knoll Road to State Highway 106.Moses Creek fire: Started October 28 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 26 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 will remain closed 1-2 weeks or, until further notice. Hazard trees have been identified along the road as a result of fire activity. The 11-acre fire area is being patrolled, monitored, and secured as needed.
Dicks Creek fire: Started October 23 northwest of Sylva – Patrol and monitoring continues 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. More information at www.fs.usda.gov/nfsnc
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