Chimney Tops 2 Fire Update Friday, December 2, 2016
Today's Update on Chimney Tops 2 Fire
Incident Summary: The Chimney Tops 2 Fire was reported in Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Gatlinburg, TN on Wednesday, November 23, 2016 at approximately 5:20 p.m. The wildfire began burning in a remote location (Chimney Tops) of the park in steep terrain with vertical cliffs and narrow rocky ridges making access to the wildfire area difficult for firefighting efforts. On Monday, November 27th, the exceptional drought conditions and extreme winds caused the wildfire to grow rapidly, causing numerous new wildfire starts from embers carried miles away and downed powerlines in and adjacent to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The wildfire was determined to be human-caused and is currently under investigation.
To date, there are 11 confirmed fatalities, 80 injuries and more than 700 structures destroyed.
The Southern Area Red Team assumed command of the Chimney Tops 2 Fire, Wednesday, November 30th, 2016 at 8:00 a.m. The Red Team, the State of Colorado Type 3 Incident Management Team, and other firefighters and equipment are on site.
Chimney Tops 2 Fire is currently burning in brush, hardwood slash, and leaf litter. Fire crews are still mitigating hazards and securing the fire perimeter while determining what additional actions are needed to prevent any additional spread of fire. The priority is: 1) public and responder safety 2) structure protection and 3) limiting the fire spread. Fire crews and TN Department of Transportation crews will be working on U.S. 441, locally known as The Spur, to keep it open for emergency traffic. The Tennessee Division of Forestry is integral in assisting our crews in forested areas outside of the park. Aircraft will be overhead today to assist with suppression efforts.
The Cobbly Nob Fire is burning to the east of the Chimney Tops 2 Fire and will be managed by the Southern Area Red Team.
The area of the fire received good humidity recovery last evening, but a drying trend is predicted for today. Expect to see increased fire activity in the leaf litter. Rain is in the forecast for Saturday evening.
Today is a significant day with renters, lease holders, homeowners, and business owners being allowed to access their property. They will be able to go in between 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today through Tuesday, December 6th. “This is such a tragedy; it is difficult seeing others suffer.” Mike Dueitt, Incident Commander for the Southern Area Red Team expressed. “It will take time for this community to heal.”
Today is a significant day with renters, lease holders, homeowners, and business owners being allowed to access their property. They will be able to go in between 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today through Tuesday, December 6th. “This is such a tragedy; it is difficult seeing others suffer.” Mike Dueitt, Incident Commander for the Southern Area Red Team expressed. “It will take time for this community to heal.”
Size: 17,859 acres Containment: 10% Start Date: November 23
Incident Resources
17 crews, 31 engines, 6 helicopters, 5 dozers, 458 total personnel
17 crews, 31 engines, 6 helicopters, 5 dozers, 458 total personnel
Weather: Today will be mostly sunny with afternoon highs reaching the high 40s and 50s. Relative humidity will decrease with a low of 30% to 34% possible. Winds could gust to 10 mph in the afternoon contributing to increased fire activity.
Road and Trail Closure Status: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• The National Park is closed from the Gatlinburg Entrance to Smokemont near Oconaluftee (US 441, Newfound Gap) and Little River Road from Sugarlands Visitor Center to Medcalf Bottoms. The Gatlinburg ByPass is also closed.
• The Spur (runs between Pigeon Forge to Gatlinburg) is open only from Pigeon Forge to the Gatlinburg Welcome Center. There will be no access to Wiley Oakley, Beech Branch, or Westgate from the Spur.
• Areas closed for the public visitation:
o Wiley Oakley
o Beech Branch
o Walker Trail
o (Westgate off of Spur)
• The National Park is closed from the Gatlinburg Entrance to Smokemont near Oconaluftee (US 441, Newfound Gap) and Little River Road from Sugarlands Visitor Center to Medcalf Bottoms. The Gatlinburg ByPass is also closed.
• The Spur (runs between Pigeon Forge to Gatlinburg) is open only from Pigeon Forge to the Gatlinburg Welcome Center. There will be no access to Wiley Oakley, Beech Branch, or Westgate from the Spur.
• Areas closed for the public visitation:
o Wiley Oakley
o Beech Branch
o Walker Trail
o (Westgate off of Spur)
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