Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials closed several trails and backcountry campsites at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 26, due to wildfire activity between Deep Creek and Newfound Gap Road in North Carolina. At this time, two wind-driven wildfires that originated south of the park boundary are now active inside the park.
The following areas are now closed: Backcountry campsites 46, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, and 60; Deep Creek and Thomas Divide trails from Deep Creek to Newfound Gap Road; Pole Road Creek, Indian Creek, Stone Pile Gap, Deep Creek Horse Bypass, Juney Whank Falls, Deeplow, Fork Ridge, Sunkota Ridge, Martins Gap, Indian Creek Motor Nature, Mingus Creek, Newton Bald, Kanati Fork, and Loop trails. Toms Branch Road near Deep Creek is also closed. The Deep Creek Campground and Picnic Area are not scheduled to open for the season until April 15.
At approximately 1:00 p.m., park officials were notified that a fire south of the park near Cooper Creek was approaching the park boundary. When responding to this fire, Park Rangers detected another fire near Stone Pile Gap near the Thomas Divide area. The Bureau of Indian Affairs is leading suppression efforts for the Cooper Creek Fire. Bryson City Fire Department is leading suppression efforts for the Thomas Divide Fire Complex. National Park Service, state, and county resources have also responded to support efforts. An Incident Command Post has been established at the Swain County East Elementary School.
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