GATLINBURG, Tenn. — The Great Smoky Mountain National Park fire officials and investigators found that the fire at Flint Gap was started by lightning from a recent storm.
They said lightning-caused wildfires are are in the Smokies, with most of them occurring during August.
While officials have not determined when exactly the lightning struck, the Flint Gap Fire near Hannah Mountain was reported on Aug. 26 and is currently 17 acres in size.
According to GSMNP, there is low potential for significant growth in the next few days due to current weather conditions and shaded terrain.
Resources to putting out the fire includes ground crews and a Type 3 helicopter, according to the park. They said crews are monitoring the fire and working to identify areas where they can safely contain it.
No structures have been reported threatened at this time.
Parson Branch Road along with some park trail and backcountry campsites are closed at this time due to the fire.