Chimney Rock Fire (Formerly Big Island Fire)

 

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NOVEMBER 29

The Chimney Rock Fire remains approximately 533 acres. The fire is at 90 percent containment, and is expected to reach 100 percent later today. Despite high winds yesterday, firefighters held the fire without further growth. The rain that was received in the evening also helped.

Firefighters will patrol and maintain dozer line and hand line, and continue mop-up operations.

Demob operations have begun, but personnel and resources remain engaged on the fire.

This will be the last update on this fire unless unless significant activity occurs.

To date, no injuries have been reported.

 

NOVEMBER 28

The Chimney Rock Fire is estimated at 533 acres 80 percent contained. Plans for today include patrolling dozer and handline, minimizing reburn potential, and conducting mop-up operations.

Temporary closures remain at Station Camp Road at the horse camp turnoff, as well as Big Island Loop Trail, where it crosses Big Island Road, all the way to the river due to active fire along portions of the trail.

To date, no injuries have been reported.

 

NOVEMBER 23

The Chimney Rock Fire is estimated at 139 acres. Plans for today include improving handline and Station Camp Road for burnout operations, if needed. Also, complete blacklining operation to secure containment lines.

The management of the Chimney Rock Fire is transitioning today from the Type-4 Team to a Type-3 team. Extensive personnel and resources are engaged, including several local National Park Service units, US Forest Service, as well as from around the country, including Alaska.

To ensure visitor safety and resource protection Station Camp Road is temporarily closed at the horse camp turnoff. Also, Big Island Loop Trail is closed, where it crosses Big Island Road, all the way to the river due to active fire along portions of the trail.

To date, no injuries have been reported.

 

NOVEMBER 22

The Big Island Fire is now called Chimney Rock Fire.

The fire is approximately 120 acres, 10 percent contained.

Today's objectives:

• Keep the fire east of the river, south, and west of Station Camp Road and north to dozer and handline.
• Complete hand line from the river to the dozer line, and improve the south containment line preparing for burnout operations.

Approximately 40 personnel, and resources from National Park Service units in Ohio, Alaska, Tennessee, and Kentucky, and US Forest Service are assisting.

To date, there have been no reported injuries on the fire.

 

NOVEMBER 21

The fire is 110 acres, 10 percent contained, but is expected to continue spreading south between Station Camp Road and Big South Fork National River. There are no existing natural or manmade barriers to check the fire spread.

Fire crews will continue constructing approximately 2 miles of fire line. Once the lines are complete, crews will begin burning out approximately 600 acres to work towards containment.

Access to the fire is largely limited to existing road and trails due to the steep and rocky terrain, and fuel loadings limit access.

 

NOVEMBER 19

The Big Island Fire was reported November 18. The fire is approximately 60-80 acres, most of which is east side of Station Camp Road, in the Slaven Branch Drainage. The nearest structures are three miles to the north.

Station Camp Road is closed at the horse camp turnoff. Also, Big Island Loop Trail is closed, where it crosses Big Island Road, all the way to the river due to active fire along portions of the trail.

Resources from Big South Fork NRRA, Obed WSR, and Daniel Boone National Forest are assisting.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.