Wildfire Grows Rapidly In Remote Terrain

POLK COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – A wildfire burning in Polk County continues to expand across remote forest land.

The Appalachia Fire was first reported on Tuesday afternoon on U.S. Forest Service property near McFarland and the Hiwassee River.

Since then, the fire has grown to approximately 200 acres, spreading through rugged terrain that is difficult to access.

Around 40 U.S. Forest Service wildland firefighters are assigned to the fire. Crews are using both ground resources and aerial support as they work to contain it.

No structures are currently threatened.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, the fire is currently being investigated as a possible human-caused fire, though it has not been officially confirmed what exactly started the fire at this time.

Forest Service Road 23 and the surrounding area south of the Hiwassee River should be avoided due to active firefighting operations.

Crews remain on scene as containment efforts continue.