Appalachia

Here is the latest situation report for the Appalachia Fire in Tennessee.

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Appalachia Fire was discovered around 11:02 a.m. on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. It is located on U.S. Forest Service property in the Cherokee National Forest, near McFarland and the Hiwassee River in Polk County, Tennessee.
Size and Containment: As of April 21, 2026, the fire has burned approximately 650 acres and containment is estimated between 25% and 40%.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: Initially reported at 75 acres, the fire grew steadily through remote, rugged terrain, reaching over 200 acres within its first few days before expanding to its current size. The fire is primarily fueled by timber, leaf litter, and understory vegetation. It has exhibited active fire behavior, including flanking, backing, and active uphill runs.
Containment Efforts: The response is being managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Approximately 40 wildland firefighters are working to suppress the fire utilizing both ground and air resources. Crews have utilized bulldozers to build fire lines and back-burn undergrowth to protect nearby exposures. The estimated cost of the response to date is approximately $120,000.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: There are currently no mandatory evacuation orders in place.
Evacuation Warnings: There are no active evacuation warnings.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: No evacuation shelters have been opened at this time.
Estimated Number of People Impacted: The estimated number of people directly impacted by evacuations is currently 0, as no residential structures are immediately threatened.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• Forest Service Road 23: Closed to the public. Visitors and residents are asked to avoid this road and all areas south of the Hiwassee River.
• Highway 68: While open, motorists are advised to use extreme caution along Highway 68 due to heavy smoke and the presence of firefighting equipment on the roadways.
• Recreational Areas: Access to recreational areas within the Cherokee National Forest near the Hiwassee River and McFarland has been disrupted.

For more information on evacuations and road closures, visit:

• Cherokee National Forest Alerts & Notices
• Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA)
• Tennessee Division of Forestry

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There have been no reported injuries or fatalities associated with the Appalachia Fire.
Structures Impacted: No residential or commercial structures are currently threatened or have been destroyed. However, local railroad infrastructure in the vicinity is threatened by the fire's progression.
School and Business Closures: No school or business closures have been reported.
Notable Impacts: The fire is significantly impacting recreational access and trail use within the Cherokee National Forest.
Power Outages: There are no reported power outages related to this fire.

Safety Concerns:
Burn Bans and Fire Restrictions: The fire danger status in the Cherokee National Forest is currently listed as "Extreme." Visitors must adhere to all local fire restrictions and exercise extreme caution.
Air Quality: Heavy smoke is present in the area, particularly along Highway 68. Smoke from the fire may pose health risks, particularly for those with respiratory conditions. Residents are advised to stay indoors and limit outdoor activities if smoke is heavy.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns have been reported.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: Fire behavior is currently minimal, but firefighters continue to work in remote, steep terrain to increase containment lines. Ground and air resources will remain actively engaged over the coming days to secure the perimeter and protect the threatened railroad infrastructure.
Weather and Wind Warnings: Tennessee is currently experiencing an elevated fire risk due to a combination of dry, windy conditions and low relative humidity following a recent cold front. These factors have created a volatile environment for wildfires across the state, particularly in the eastern mountainous regions.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The official cause of the Appalachia Fire is currently under investigation.
Weather and Climate: The fire is being fueled by dry, windy conditions and low relative humidity following a recent cold front. The 2026 spring fire season has been exceptionally active, driven by extreme climate factors. Year-to-date statistics show that the acreage burned nationwide so far this year is nearly double that of the 2025 season and is running at approximately 200 percent of the 10-year average, exacerbating fire spread and intensity in regions like the Cherokee National Forest.

For more information, visit:

• Cherokee National Forest Official Website
• Tennessee Division of Forestry Wildfire Updates
• WFCA Fire Map - Tennessee