CLEVELAND, Tenn. — Crews in the Cherokee National Forest are working to put out wildland fires that ignited in different places across the region. Leaders said crews were specifically fighting fires in the four locations, listed below.
- Hogum Hollo: 44 acres, two miles southwest of Roan Mountain near Carter County (100% contained)
- Bullet: 103 acres, five miles southeast of Etowah near McMinn County
- Buck Bald: 350 acres, around three miles north of Famer in Polk County (investigated as arson)
- Tweed: 70-acres, 13 miles southwest of Greenville
“We’re seeing a rapid increase in wildfires across the forest placing people, homes and infrastructure at great risk,” said Stephanie Bland, deputy forest supervisor with the Cherokee National Forest. “Human-caused fires take valuable resources away from the protection of people and structures making dry conditions much more dangerous for everyone.”
According to a press release, crews are using existing roads and terrain features to block the spread of wildfires with help from water dropped by aircraft.
They also warned some structures could be at risk as fires spread to private property. The release said the Forest Service was working with private property owners to protect structures and prevent injuries.
Firefighters are also people to help report suspicious behavior to law enforcement, as crews investigate the Polk County fire as a possible arson.
"there was no natural cause that could be readily identified. And so, we brought in investigators and they were determined and they were able to determine, that is being investigated as arson," said Christopher Joyner, from the Cherokee National Forest.
The press release said dry conditions are expected to continue into Thursday, and dry fuel like leaves and grass can still burn and help the wildland fires spread.
"Our message to the public is if you see something, say something," said Bland.