Black Bear Fire Now 80% Contained; Appalachian Trail Reopens

An update on the Black Bear fire burning along I-40 in North Carolina. That fire is still active this morning. That fire is still at 1,888 acres and is now 80% contained. That fire broke out 11 days ago when a tractor trailer crashed near mile marker 3, sparking that fire which quickly spread up the mountainside. The Appalachian Trail was reopened over the weekend as fire activity continues to diminish. The trail is now open from I-40 to Brown Gap. The trail had been closed on November 16 when that fire broke out.

The Tweed Fire in Cocke and Greene County is still active and remains at 538 acres, but is now at 95% containment.

There is still a ban on campfires in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Cook stoves using compressed gas cannisters and gas grills with an on-off switch are allowed but need to be monitored constantly.