Fire burning in Cherokee, traffic rerouted from U.S. 19
Traffic is being rerouted in Cherokee following a wildfire that’s burned about 10 acres, according to Public Information Officer Ray Stamper with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
“The first report came in around 7 p.m. yesterday (Thursday, Nov. 11),” Stamper said, adding that they “started firelines to extinguish that.” He said the fire began to creep up the mountain, and firefighters couldn’t contain it.
“We shut down U.S. 19 and have been routing traffic through Old Soco Road,” he said. In addition, his department has asked people to close their windows, doors and turn off ventilation or air conditioning to limit smoke exposure.
“Nobody is hurt, and no houses are in danger,” he said.
UPDATE Nov. 12, 4:12 p.m.
“The fire is now fully contained and we have a line all around it,” Stamper said.
The fire was contained as of 2 p.m., Stamper said, and it consumed approximately 34.4 acres. Fire crews are in the process of doing back burning now, and U.S. 19 is still closed, he said.
