Wildfire Burns Near Chimney Top Mountain in Brasstown Wilderness

from United States Forestry Service Media Release

GAINESVILLE (October 27, 2016)- A small wildfire was discovered in the Brasstown Wilderness near Chimneytop Mountain on October 26th at approximately 2 pm. The cause is under investigation. This approximately 3 acre fire, at an elevation of 4,000 feet, will be highly visible in Union, Towns and surrounding counties. The Chimneytop wildfire is located approximately 1.5 miles west of Brasstown Bald Visitor Center adjacent to the Arkaquah Trail. The Arkaquah Trail has been temporarily closed in order to protect public and firefighter safety. Firefighters worked until dark on Wednesday evening and further work by handcrews will continue today in an effort to establish a control line around the fire as long as the terrain and weather allow for safe operations. The fire is located in steep, rugged terrain. When wildfire is located within a congressionally designated Wilderness Area, it is managed differently than other wildfires. Actions are limited to those that safely and effectively suppress the fire when needed to protect life and property. Wilderness fire management strategies are based on many factors, including risks to public and firefighter safety; condition of fuels; predicted weather; values to protect; and available firefighting assets. These strategies may change as conditions change. Due to the wildfire the Arkaquah Trail (FS Trail #29) is temporarily closed from Brasstown Bald Visitor Center to Track Rock Gap.