A woodland fire that broke out on the western slope of Lookout Mountain on July 11 has finally been 100 percent contained.
The fire was within the boundaries of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, southwest of Covenant College.
At various times since the report, personnel from the Georgia Forestry Commission, the West Brow Fire and Rescue, the United States Forest Service (USFS), and the National Park Service (NPS) have worked to suppress the fire.
Officials said, "As of Wednesday, the 20.38-acre fire was reported as being 100 percent contained."
A crew was left behind to monitor the situation for the next several days.
Trail closures on Lookout Mountain on the western slope remain in effect until further notice for the southern portion of the Bluff Trail, the Jackson Gap Trail, and the John Smartt Trail.
NPS law enforcement rangers have concluded the wildland fire was started by an illegal campfire on the bluff. Federal charges are pending and an investigation is ongoing.
Officials said, "The success experienced in containing this wildland fire was greatly aided by the participation of private landowners near the park boundary who supported efforts to create defensible spaces around their homes.
"To learn more about how you can make your neighborhood safer from wildland fire, please visit the "Firewise Communities" website maintained by the National Fire Protection Association at:
http://www.firewise.org/wildfire-preparedness/be-firewise/home-and-landscape.aspx?sso=0