Firefighters are preparing for possible high winds Monday

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) — Firefighters are preparing for possible high winds coming Monday through Tuesday.

Wind gusts up to 60 and 70 mph could occur in the Appalachian Mountains.

This could cause current fires to escape containment lines, as well as new fires from fallen power lines and trees.

Firefighters on the Cherokee National Forest are diligently working to mop up, secure, and maintain containment lines.

These contingency lines are located on the Tweed, Rye Patch and Bullet Fires prior to the wind event.

Containment on the Bullet and Tweed fires has increased to 40% and 85% respectively.

Fire officials urge the public to obey the fire restrictions set forth by state, local and federal jurisdictions.

New wildfires are burning rapidly and are difficult to control. If you see something, inform law enforcement.

UPDATED FIRE INFORMATION

Because of the Black Bear Fire, portions of the Appalachian Trail remain closed from I-40 to Brown Gap, including the Groundhog Creek Shelter.

More information on the Black Bear Fire can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/nfsnc .

Information concerning wildfires on the National Forests in North Carolina can be found at www.facebook.com/nfsnc.

Information on wildfires on state and private property in Tennessee can be found at: https://tn.firesponse.com/public/.

The Cherokee National Forest spans 10 counties along the border with multiple states with various levels of fire danger and restrictions.

At this time, the Cherokee National Forest restricts the use of a fire outside of a developed recreation area.

Fire restriction changes on the Cherokee National Forest will be posted at the offices of the Forest Supervisor and District Rangers as well as on the following website and Facebook page. https://www.fs.usda.gov/Cherokee and https://www.facebook.com/CherokeeNF/.

INFORMATION COURTESY OF THE USDA.