Black Bear Fire Now Over 1700 Acres; I-40 Remains Open

The Appalachian Trail remains closed between Interstate 40 and Max Patch as the Black Bear fire continues to burn in Haywood County NC. As of last night the fire is listed as 17209 acres and 0% containment. Crews worked over the weekend though to build control lines to prevent the fire from spreading. Crews are working in the Cocke County mountains and Haywood County mountains near the state line from Green Corner Road across to their communication tower to meet up with a line near Ground Hog Creek in Haywood County. Wes McKinney of the US Forest Service says fire officials are monitoring Interstate 40 closely from the state line to the tunnel near mile marker 3. There is a chance of rocks and timber falling in that area because of the wildfire. The interstate remains open at this time, but motorists are being urged to be aware of forest service staff in the area and slow down and be prepared for smoke in that area. Firefighters are being pulled back on Tuesday because of the wet conditions that are expected, but they will be monitoring the fire.