Flint Gap Fire reduced by firefighting efforts, 95% contained

GATLINBURG, Tenn. ( WATE ) — Officials announced on Tuesday that the Flint Gap Fire which began in late August is 95% contained as firefighting efforts continue in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

“Firefighters have had great success in quickly reducing the threat from the fire in this remote area of the park,” a news release stated. “Firefighters have observed very little fire activity. Firefighters will continue to monitor the fire and take additional actions as needed. Rain is expected this weekend which will further reduce fire behavior. While the fire is almost contained, it will not be fully extinguished until fire managers determine that no fire activity is present.”

Next up, GSMNP officials said the fire team will transition to a Type 5 Incident Commander this week and the fire will be managed by local NPS firefighters; the move is a result of “decreasing complexity, fire threat and incident complexity.”

The park was first alerted to the fire near Hannah Mountain, south of Abrams Creek, on Aug. 26. An investigation later revealed that the fire was started by lightning .

Parson Branch Road, some park trails and backcountry campsites are currently closed due to fire activity. Check the park website for road closures and other updates before visiting.

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