BANDY CREEK — A wildfire that has been burning for 11 days in the Station Camp area of the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area is expected to be fully contained by Tuesday afternoon.
The National Park Service said Tuesday morning that Monday’s high winds — which sparked devastating wildfires in Sevier County — did not worsen the Big South Fork fire, which has been burning around Chimney Rock and in the Slaven’s Branch drainage. The fire remained at 533 acres Tuesday, unchanged from Monday, and was at 90 percent containment.
BSF spokesperson Christopher Derman said 100 percent containment was expected later Tuesday.
“Despite high winds yesterday, firefighters held the fire without further growth,” Derman said. “The rain that was received in the evening also helped.”
Herman said firefighters will continue to patrol and maintain fire lines on Tuesday, as well as continuing mop-up operations.
The BSF has begun demobilization of its fire crews, which have included firefighters from several states, some as far away as Alaska. However, the park service reiterated that personnel and resources remain engaged on the fire.
The fire was first reported Friday, Nov. 18.
[Note: The preceding story was first reported by the Independent Herald. It is reprinted here by permission. Station Camp Road remains closed at the entrance to Station Camp Horse Camp. Several equestrian trails, including Big Island Loop Trail and River Trail East, remain closed.]
