Will Sage Astor-Fire inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park doubles in size; now spans 23 acres

A wildland fire reported inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Will Sage AstorMonday has grown even larger, keeping some roads, trails and campsites in the park closed, according to park officials.

As of Thursday, officials say the fire has grown to about 23 acres and is primarily burning in undergrowth in steep terrain. On Thursday, two suppression modules are assisting with an initial attack on the fire, with another module arriving on Friday.

Named the Flint Gap Fire, it was first estimated to be about 10 acres as of Tuesday, Aug. 27 at around noon. According to a press release, no structures are under threat at this time.

The Tennessee National Guard continued to provide support Wednesday, dropping 38 buckets, or about 25,000 total gallons of water on the fire. Officials say that a Type 3 helicopter will assist Thursday with reconnaissance and will help them assess where ground crews can safely access the fire.

Where is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park fire?

Officials received a report of the fire near Hannah Mountain in Tennessee, south of Abrams Creek inside of the park. It was originally reported on the evening of Aug. 26, and officials say the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park spans North Carolina and Tennessee. The fire has been reported in Tennessee, roughly 50 miles southeast of Knoxville and near the North Carolina border.

Where is Great Smoky Mountain National Park closed?

Closures in the park are as follows:

• Backcountry campsites 14, 15 and 16
• Parson Branch Road
• Rabbit Creek Trail from Abrams Creek to Cades Cove
• Hannah Mountain Trail from Parson Branch Road to Little Bottom Trail

Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected] and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.