*Wildfires Rage Across East Tennessee, Rain Unlikely to Provide Relief*
Wildfires are sweeping across East Tennessee fueled by drought and fire weather prompting evacuations and school closures ¹. The National Weather Service has issued High Wind Warnings for East Tennessee, including the Smoky Mountains, with winds forecast between 25 and 40 mph and gusts up to 85 mph in some locations ¹.
The Black Bear Fire, located on the northeast side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, has consumed over 1,800 acres, with fire crews gaining 42% containment since the fire started on November 16 ¹. The Rich Mountain Fire, also in the Smoky Mountains National Park, has prompted voluntary evacuations and school closures, with residents warned to stay vigilant for wildfire behavior ¹.
Rain is forecast for the area, but it is unlikely to provide relief from the wildfires ¹. The rain may help extinguish some heat sources, but strong winds and drought conditions are expected to continue fueling the fires ¹. A burn ban is in place for 16 counties in Central and East Tennessee and 30 counties in North Carolina ¹.
*Fires and Closures*
– *Black Bear Fire*: 1,800 acres, 42% containment ¹
– *Rich Mountain Fire*: voluntary evacuations, school closures ¹
– *Townsend Elementary School*: closed due to Rich Mountain Fire ¹
– *Campgrounds*: closed in Smoky Mountains National Park ¹
*Weather Conditions*
– *High Wind Warnings*: East Tennessee, including Smoky Mountains ¹
– *Winds*: 25-40 mph, gusts up to 85 mph ¹
– *Rain*: forecast, but unlikely to provide relief ¹
– *Drought*: ongoing, fueling wildfires ¹
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