Firefighters Working Wildfire In The Cherokee National Forest

  • Tuesday, July 21, 2020

USDA Forest Service officials reported crews are working a wildfire in Cherokee National Forest near Watauga Lake in Carter County.

The fire has burned five acres on the upper slopes of Little Pond Mountain 1.5 miles south of Watauga Lake and 7 miles south of Hampton. The Little Pond Fire was first reported to Forest Service personnel at approximately 11 a.m. on Saturday. The cause of the fire is unknown.

Due to the remoteness of the fire, steep and rugged terrain, and extreme heat firefighters are constructing indirect fire line and using natural barriers to slow and stop the fire in a predetermined area.

Cherokee National Forest resources assigned to the fire include one helicopter, one bulldozer, two fire engines and a 20-person hand crew from the North Carolina State Forest Service.

Smoke may be visible from the lake and surrounding communities. At this time no structures are threatened and there are no area closures in place.

Fire managers remind the public to not fly drones in the area of any firefighting operations.

Outdoors
TWRA News: Operation Dry Water Set For July 4-6
  • 6/30/2025

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is once again participating in Operation Dry Water (ODW), a year-round boating under the influence (BUI) and enforcement campaign. ODW’s heightened ... more

Fish And Wildlife Service Proposes Listing Barrens Darter As Endangered Species
  • 6/30/2025

Following a review of the best available science, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to list the Barrens darter as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. ... more

South Pittsburg Tennessee RiverLine Paddle Event Set For June 28
South Pittsburg Tennessee RiverLine Paddle Event Set For June 28
  • 6/24/2025

The non-profit South Pittsburg Area Revitalization Quest who works with Tennessee River Line to hold events on the Tennessee River announces their annual “Pitt to Port Paddle Event” set for this ... more