US Forest Service Gives Update On Cocke County Wildfire

The US Forest Service says the Bear Fire is at 165 acres and is now 30% contained. That fire, which is burning about 3 miles east of Interstate 40, was first reported early Saturday morning. U.S. Forest Service officials with the Cherokee National Forest say that fire personnel are constructing new firelines as needed and strengthening and improving existing lines to improve containment. An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle is scheduled to fly over the fire using a thermal camera to identify areas of heat. Fire management personnel will then use thermal information to plan tactics over the coming days on how to best conduct fire operations. The public is still being asked to avoid the area of Forest Service Road #207 until further notice. This is due to an increase in vehicular traffic associated with the wildfire and the continued cutting of hazardous trees along the portion of the road impacted by the fire.

With the rain that fell over the weekend, the fire risk lowered in Sevier County and also in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. So, burn bans have been lifted in both Sevier County and the National Park. Park officials say that using campfires and charcoal are once again permitted in the park. Dry conditions and strong winds caused burn bans to be placed in effect. A reminder that a burn permit is required to burn in East Tennessee till May 15.