Very high wildfire danger continues across much of the Tennessee Valley and Georgia because of the hot, dry weather combined with dead and dry vegetation. Fall leaves have started to drop, which can burn in a fire or cause an area that has already seen fire to be re-burned.

Starting on Oct. 29, 2016, all 655,000 acres of the Cherokee National Forest are off-limits to campfires. Specifically, “building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or charcoal fire outside of developed recreation areas” is prohibited. However, “the use of portable lanterns, stoves or heating equipment that utilize gas or pressurized liquid fuel is allowed,” according to a news release.

Fires at developed recreation areas are still allowed for now, but must be confined to “receptacles designed for fire,” such as metal fire rings and grills.

Campfires should always be put out and cold to the touch before left for any period of time.

Effective October 28, 2016, the following fire restrictions are in place for the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests until further notice:

Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire is NOT ALLOWED outside of developed campgrounds where a fee is paid.

The use of portable lanterns, stoves, or heating equipment that utilize gas or pressurized liquid fuel is allowed. Charcoal fires are not allowed.

Permissible fires must be confined to metal fire rings and grills that are provided in the National Forest campgrounds. Never leave a fire unattended. Campfires should always be put out and cold to the touch before left for any period of time.

This restriction only pertains to the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests. Visitors are asked to be very careful with fire and to obey all state and federal fire related laws and regulations.