A wildland fire was reported on Monday, on the western slope of Lookout Mountain within the boundaries of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, southwest of Covenant College.
Resources were mobilized immediately from the Georgia Forestry Commission with the hope of quick containment. The fire is believed to have been started by an illegal campfire. Steep and rocky terrain has proven to be challenging in suppression of the fire. Since that time the fire has progressed to approximately 20 to 25 acres in size. Containment of the fire is currently at 11%.
Incident Commander Paul Varnedoe said, “Crews are diligently working to suppress this fire with both state and federal efforts. The goal is to contain this wildfire, keeping fire fighter and public safety as a top priority, as we protect our national treasures.”
Smoke impacts are expected to continue in the Tennessee Valley and the city of Chattanooga. 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.
Multiple agencies have been deployed to assist with the fire including the Georgia Forestry Commission, United States Forest Service (USFS) and the National Park Service (NPS). Additional federal resources have been ordered and will be arriving today and tomorrow as management transitions from state to federal control.