Archived Outdoors

Hot Springs fire contained

The verdict is in on a fire that had been blazing for two weeks near Hot Springs — after burning 5,964 acres, the fire was declared fully contained on May 4.

Rainfall over the preceding weekend had helped extinguish remaining host spots in the Silver Mine Fire, which was reported April 21, with all area trails now open. However, some U.S. Forest Service roads may be still closed as fire line repair work is completed.

Forest Service specialists will work to restore the area where high-intensity burns created risk of erosion or invasion by non-native plants. Areas that burned with low to moderate intensity will likely benefit, allowing for increased wildlife forage. 

The western part of the state is currently in a moderate drought, meaning that caution is vital when managing any type of flame. 

Smokey Mountain News Logo
SUPPORT THE SMOKY MOUNTAIN NEWS AND
INDEPENDENT, AWARD-WINNING JOURNALISM
Go to top
Payment Information

/

At our inception 20 years ago, we chose to be different. Unlike other news organizations, we made the decision to provide in-depth, regional reporting free to anyone who wanted access to it. We don’t plan to change that model. Support from our readers will help us maintain and strengthen the editorial independence that is crucial to our mission to help make Western North Carolina a better place to call home. If you are able, please support The Smoky Mountain News.

The Smoky Mountain News is a wholly private corporation. Reader contributions support the journalistic mission of SMN to remain independent. Your support of SMN does not constitute a charitable donation. If you have a question about contributing to SMN, please contact us.