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Today's Update for the Chimney Tops 2 and Cobbly Nob Fires.... #chimneytops2fire #cobblynobfire
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 13 confirmed fatalities. Twelve were caused directly by the fire; one was a heart attack that occurred while the victim was fleeing from fire. Over 80 individuals sustained injuries, and more than 875 structures were destroyed.
Chimney Tops 2 Fire is currently burning in brush, hardwood slash, and leaf litter. Fire crews continue to mitigate hazards and secure the fire perimeter. The Southern Area Red Team will support State and Park efforts, if there are any new fires. “We have resources ready to assist those requests,” said Stephen Weaver, Operations Section Chief. The priorities are: 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. Active flames may be seen during the heat of the day, but minimal fire spread is expected.
Safety is still a large concern even though fire activity has diminished. “I encourage everyone to manage their risk by evaluating the known hazards and mitigating them,” Dave Vitwar, Safety Officer, reminded firefighters during morning briefing. “We are working with weakened trees, downed power lines, steep terrain, aircraft, and traffic to name a few.” The community should be aware that emergency vehicles and personnel may be working in areas open to the public.
Chimney Tops 2
Fire: Size: 17,109 acre Containment: 25% Start Date: November 23
Cobbly Nob Fire:
Size: 750 acres Containment: 13% Start Date: November 28
Incident Resources:
19 crews, 47 engines, 6 helicopters, 5 dozers, 605 total personnel
19 crews, 47 engines, 6 helicopters, 5 dozers, 605 total personnel
Weather:
Moisture and clouds will increase through the day as the next low pressure system begins pushing moisture from the Gulf of Mexico back into the area. High temperatures will be in the upper 40s to low 50s with minimum relative humidity between 42% and 46%. Winds will be northeasterly at 5 to 8 mph.
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 Metcalf 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. To access these areas, it is important to follow check point protocols because there is only one check point access at East Parkway (Hwy. 321) at Glades Road and the Post Office.
• 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 Metcalf 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. To access these areas, it is important to follow check point protocols because there is only one check point access at East Parkway (Hwy. 321) at Glades Road and the Post Office.
Areas closed for the public visitation:
o Wiley Oakley (Critical utility work will be done in the area.)
The following roads and areas will be opened by noon, December 3rd, , however, the 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. time frame of limited access still remains in effect for previously permitted areas:
• East Parkway (east of the post office) opens at 10 a.m.
• Walker Trail
• Beech Branch
• Hwy. 321 east of the checkpoint is open to the public
People are reminded to bring valid forms of identification showing their name and address of their residence or business inside Gatlinburg. Officials will verify renters and lease Holders as needed.
o Wiley Oakley (Critical utility work will be done in the area.)
The following roads and areas will be opened by noon, December 3rd, , however, the 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. time frame of limited access still remains in effect for previously permitted areas:
• East Parkway (east of the post office) opens at 10 a.m.
• Walker Trail
• Beech Branch
• Hwy. 321 east of the checkpoint is open to the public
People are reminded to bring valid forms of identification showing their name and address of their residence or business inside Gatlinburg. Officials will verify renters and lease Holders as needed.
For a downloadable, printable version of this map, click here.
For a downloadable, printable version of this map, click here.
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