Forest Service closes trails for wildfire in Cheaha Wilderness
By Kirsten Fiscus, Star Staff Writer,
[email protected] Updated 42 minutes ago
U.S. Forest Service crews continued Tuesday to fight a wildfire, which closed two trails and a road, in the south portion of the Cheaha Wilderness, according to officials.
The High Falls Trailhead, National Forest System Road 650 and portions of the Odum Trail are closed as a team from Asheville, N.C., and Talladega National Forest employees attempt to put out the estimated 154-acre fire, said Michael Heard, forest fire management officer.
“It is still relatively small,” Heard said by phone Tuesday. “It is just difficult because of its location and terrain.”
Heard said the the fire management office spotted the smoke Sunday around 3:30 p.m. and reported it.
“It is still under investigation as to what caused it,” he said.
A news release sent by the Forest Service stated crews were using “minimum impact suppression tactics” with the natural topography to manage the wildfire.
“They are using existing trails and streams to create fire lines,” Heard said, referring to boundaries that keep the fire from growing.
While Heard said there’s no threat to homes, the release advised residents near the fire to stay indoors, avoid exercising outside and limit driving.
“As nightfall occurs and temperatures fall, smoke may settle in the Campbell Springs, Pyriton, Highland and Nubbin Creek areas,” the release wrote.
Heard said he hopes to have the wildfire extinguished by Thursday.
“We’re supposed to have a good bit of rain Thursday,” he said. “That should help. However, it could go another week if not.”
Staff writer Kirsten Fiscus: 256-235-3563. On Twitter @kfiscus_star
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