Lookout Mountain wildfire determined to be naturally cause

Lookout Mountain Wildfire / Chattanooga Fire Department

LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, Tenn. (WDEF) —  We’re learning more about what caused the wildfire on Lookout Mountain Saturday morning.

According to the National Park Service, the wildfire occurred because of a rockslide.

A large rock slide occurred at 5:30 a.m. December 7, 2024.

This was likely due to “freeze/thaw action”.

Large boulders struck many trees and other stationary boulders, causing “immense heat and sparks”.

A large tree that struck a powerline on Hardy Trail was also pushed over by the boulders.

The National Park Service said the powerline could’ve created sparks, but the evidence on scene indicates the rockslide as the probable cause.

No evidence of human activity was found where the wildfire originated.

The wildfire is determined to be currently 100% controlled.

This means it’s fully contained and not expected to spread with current conditions and minimal monitoring.

Once the fire is determined to be officially out, the final investigation report will be completed.

The Mountain Beautiful Trail is closed until further notice.