Look Rock webcam image of the Rich Mountain Fire on November 20, 2023, Great Smoky Mountains National Park / NPS File
Late in the night of November 20, 2023, firefighters who had earlier responded to a wildfire on Rich Mountain Road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park mapped what is now named Rich Mountain Fire and estimated the fire’s size at less than two acres. Around two a.m. Tuesday, November 21, winds from the south caused the fire to grow to six acres, burning in steep, rugged terrain primarily within the park boundary.
Earlier on November 20, a helicopter was used until dusk to deliver water for suppression efforts. In addition, Townsend Volunteer Fire Department and Blount County supported the initial response. Firefighters continue to improve line around the fire. Current resources include:
- Two Tennessee Department of Forestry dozers
- The park’s seven-crew-member Wildland Fire module
- A four-crew-member type-6 engine from Cherokee National Forest
- The park’s two-crew-member type-6 engine
The National Park Service has ordered additional resources, including air support and more engines. If conditions allow, air resources will be used Tuesday to assist suppression efforts.
Blount County coordinated an early-morning voluntary evacuation of homes near the park boundary. High wind and red flag warnings remain in effect for the area until later today. Several roads and campgrounds within the park remain closed for employee and visitor safety. A parkwide burn ban is also in effect until further notice.
