Update: November 14, 2023 as of 2 PM
–Tweed Fire – Burning in the Cherokee National Forest in Greene and Cocke counties,
the 536-acre fire is 60 percent contained. Firefighters warn that they expect possible
reburning as leaves continue to fall. Firefighters are now reinforcing containment lines
mopping up a 20-foot buffer along fire lines. Cherokee National Forest and out-of-state
resources continue to work on this fire. The fire is being investigated as human caused.
–Buck Bald Fire – Burning in the Cherokee National Forest in Polk County, three miles
north of Farner, there was little change reported. The 540-acre wildfire remains 60 percent
contained. No structures are immediately threatened by this fire and no significant activity
reported. The Forest Service is aided by crews from the Bureau of Land Management and
other out-of-state firefighters. The cause of this fire is being investigated as arson.
– Bullet Fire – Burning in the Cherokee National Forest in Monroe County, five miles
southeast of Etowah, there was little change reported. The 103-acre wildfire continues to
be 20 percent contained. The fire is burning in steep inaccessible terrain and fire crews
are using indirect tactics to control fire spread. Minimal fire behavior reported with
moderate fire behavior in drainages. Crews constructed sprinkler systems to help maintain
control. The cause of this fire is being investigated as arson.
Forest Service News Release
November 13, 2023
Fire Activity Continues on the Cherokee National Forest
Wildland firefighters on the Cherokee National Forest expect significant reburning inside fire perimeters as leaves fall from trees. Firefighters ask the public to avoid the areas around wildfire and never fly private drones in or near a wildfire. Private drones force support aircraft from the area.
Seasonal dried leaf mass remains in tree canopies. As leaves fall to the ground, the cured fuel will act as a new fuel source that will aide in reburning. Crews remain standing by for challenges to fire lines but warn the public that additional fire activity is likely. The public may observe additional smoke in the area as new leaf litter burns off.
The Cherokee National Forest continues to see new human caused fire starts. Fire officials ask the public’s help. If you see something suspicious, say something to law enforcement.
The Cherokee National Forest has three active wildfires, below is an update on resources assigned, current fire activity and a progress update for each wildfire.
Updates as of 2p.m. -Tweed Fire – Burning in the Cherokee National Forest in Greene and Cocke counties, the 525-acre fire is 40 percent contained. Moderate to high fire behavior was observed Sunday causing the fire to jump the main containment lines in a few areas, but crews were able to secure them by the end of the day. Crews were able to establish fire lines to block fire from moving onto adjacent private land. Supported by aircraft, firefighters from the Cherokee National Forest and out-of-state resources continue to work on this fire. The fire is being investigated as human caused.
-Buck Bald Fire – Burning in the Cherokee National Forest in Polk County, three miles north of Farner, there was little change reported. The 540-acre wildfire remains 60 percent contained. No structures are immediately threatened by this fire and no significant activity reported. Firefighters warn that they expect possible reburning as leaves continue to fall from trees. The Forest Service is aided by crews from the Bureau of Land Management and other out-of-state firefighters. The cause of this fire is being investigated as arson.
-Bullet Fire – Burning in the Cherokee National Forest in Monroe County, five miles southeast of Etowah, there was little change reported. The 103-acre wildfire continues to be 20 percent contained. The fire is burning in steep inaccessible terrain and fire crews are using indirect tactics to control fire spread. Fire activity is minimal at this time. The cause of this fire is being investigated as arson.
