You are here

Home » Arson Suspected As The Cause Of The Rich Mountain Fire In Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Arson Suspected As The Cause Of The Rich Mountain Fire In Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Share

Published Date

November 22, 2023

The NPS is seeking the public's help with finding the arsonist who started the Rich Mountain Fire at Great Smoky Mountains National Park / NPS file photo

Arson is suspected as the cause of the Rich Mountain Fire in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the National Park Service is requesting the public’s help in identifying those responsible. 

The initial investigation indicates two fires started on November 20 in the Rich Mountain area by an unknown arsonist under high wind conditions, a red flag warning and a park-wide burn ban. The Rich Mountain Fire was reported on November 20 around 2:30 pm near the intersection of Old Cades Cove Road and Rich Mountain Road. The fire prompted an early-morning voluntary evacuation of homes near the park boundary on November 21.   

“Intentionally setting fires in the park, except in designated rings or picnic areas, is always illegal and is extremely dangerous, especially under the extreme weather conditions we saw this week,” said Boone Vandzura, Chief Ranger of Resource and Visitor Protection. “We are asking visitors and neighbors for help as we work to identify those responsible for this suspected arson.”   

A white truck was seen at the Rich Mountain trailhead on November 20 around 10 a.m. This vehicle may not be involved in the incident, but the occupant(s) may have seen something and have information to assist the investigation. 

Anybody who might have information that could help identify those responsible for this suspected arson is asked by the park to please submit a tip. You may do so anonymously and a financial award is available for validated tips.   

CALL or TEXT the NPS-wide Tip Line 888-653-0009 
ONLINE form go.nps.gov/SubmitATip  
EMAIL [email protected] 
EMERGENCY dial 9-1-1   

As of today, the Rich Mountain Fire is 100% contained. Firefighters continue to mop up the fire and will monitor it through the weekend. Thirty-one personnel are assigned to the Rich Mountain Fire, including National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service and firefighters.  

Related Stories:

Parts Of Cataloochee Area At Great Smoky Mountains National Park Opening
Trump Administration's Cuts To National Park Service Could Impact Local Communities
Great Smoky Mountains' Laurel Falls Trail To See Major Renovations In January

Stories about:

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.