Wildfire Burning In Cherokee National Forest In Cocke County

A wildfire continues to burn in the Cherokee National Forest in Cocke County. What is being called the Bear Fire by the US Forest Service is in the Halls Top area. That fire was first reported early Saturday morning and was estimated to be around 15 acres. The fire quickly spread with help from strong winds. As of Sunday afternoon, the fire was estimated to be 225 acres and is 0% contained. As many as 50 firefighters were assisting with the fire on Saturday.

The US Forest Service says that rain over the weekend did help with firefighting efforts. Those efforts are continuing with multiple fire departments from around the area assisting. No structures are threatened at this time. However, fire officials are asking the public to avoid the area of Forest Service Road #207 until further notice. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, but the US Forest Service says arson is a possibility.