Great Smoky Mountains Natl. Park — The National Park Service said Monday backcountry campfires would be temporarily banned in the Great Smoky Mountains due to an increased risk of wildfires.
In a release, the NPS said the restriction would be in effect until further notice. It only applies to campers using the park's backcountry sites and shelters, and does not affect campers at the park's front-country and developed campgrounds. The NPS also said the ban did not affect picnickers using fire grills at picnic areas, and backpackers can still use stoves with compressed gas canisters.
Fires in developed areas need to be kept in fire rings and grills, and the NPS asked front-country campers to completely extinguish fires until the ashes are cool to the touch to prevent wildfires from unexpectedly igniting.
Rangers said they were working with agencies across the East Tennessee area to respond to current weather conditions and to respond to conditions that could fuel wildfires.
"Visitors should use extra caution recreating on public lands including national parks and national forests in North Carolina and Tennessee when fire danger is increased," the NPS said in a release.
Several fires were reported in East Tennessee recently. One located in Anderson County was 100% contained as of Monday and was more than 475 acres large. The other was located in Rocky Top and was around 190 acres as of Monday evening and was around 75% contained.