Well it has been an interesting past week in the Smoky Mountains.  A wildfire broke out on Cove Mountain located in the Wears Valley area (off hwy 321) early in the morning on Thursday, March 1^st.  The fire burned throughout the day consuming approximately 500 acres and destroying six rental cabins that were in its path while smoke and water damaged several others.  The firefighters worked tirelessly to get the fire under control, but the winds were reaching speeds of 50 mph and the light rain was said to be evaporating before it got to the fire.  A fire wall was dug around the perimeter of the fire to contain it, but on Saturday, March 3^rd the high wind again played a major role in spreading the dwindling fire.  I believe that about 50 acres were lost this time around. 

Thankfully there were no primary residences destroyed and our hearts go out to all of those who were impacted during the fire.  I have never seen anything like this in the 13 years I have been living in the area and was very saddened by the amount of woodland that was lost.  It was, to say the least, a very humbling experience.

Thanks to all of the firefighters and those that assisted with the control efforts.