From NewsChannel 9: UPDATE (November 5th): The fire is still at 0% containment and has now doubled in size, the Hiwassee Dam Fire Department says.
From NewsChannel 9: UPDATE (November 5th): The fire is still at 0% containment and has now doubled in size, the Hiwassee Dam Fire Department says.
No structures are in danger at this time.
A resident in the nearby community Hanging Dog said their smoke alarms went off when a window was opened.
The department reminds everyone in the area to be mindful of the smoke, but especially those with asthma or lung disease.
EARLIER: The Hiwassee Dam Fire Department says a wildfire in Collett Ridge, North Carolina is “not at all contained.”
The fire is just over 100 acres with 0% containment, according to the US Forest Service.
They say the response effort includes one 20-person crew, nine engines, two helicopters, one air attack platform and overhead personnel.
No injuries have been reported, and at this time, there are no homes or businesses under threat.
The US Forest Service says the fire crossed the Rim Trail to the south and moved into a burn unit where a controlled burn was conducted in March.
The trail is temporarily closed for seven miles from Big Stump to Shinbone, but no road closures are in place.
In an earlier post, the Hiwassee Dam Fire Department said fallen leaves can act as fuel in low humidity conditions.
They expect the high risk to continue for the next four days.
The US Forest Service says the public will see increased smoke and firefighter traffic today, and advises those with respiratory illnesses to limit outdoor activity.
