Bear Fire in Cocke County in fourth day at 30 percent containment

A wildfire burning since the weekend in neighboring Cocke County is 30 percent contained according to a report from the USDA Forest Service.

The Bear Fire has charred 165 acres so far and is currently 3 miles east of Interstate 40. A total of 37 firefighters are out creating firelines to improve existing lines and advance on suppression. The agency has also deployed a drone with a thermal camera to hover over the blaze and examine other areas.

Officials are also warning drivers to avoid Forest Service Road #207 near Low Gap and the North Carolina border due to increased traffic and the cutting of hazardous trees along the route.

(IMAGE: USDA Forest Service / Cherokee National Forest – Official Facebook)