Firefighters from the National Forest Service are battling a wildfire in the Leatherwood Wilderness near Fifty-six in Stone County. C. J. Norvell, a spokesperson for National Forest Service says the fire, which is in about 50 acres, has been burning for at least two days and is not yet contained. She says no structures are in danger at this time.
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Fighting fires in wilderness areas can be challenging as crews aren’t able to use tools and tactics they normally use due to special wilderness restrictions, according to Norvell. She says firefighters have to hike in to the fire area and have received authorization to use mechanized equipment like leaf blowers and chainsaws. They are also using existing barriers to keep the fire from spreading.
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A fire management team is being assembled including an elite “hotshot” fire crew with increased physical fitness levels and training from the Cherokee National Forest, along with extra fire engines and local fire personnel, says Norvell. A helicopter is also enroute to assist firefighters with reconnaissance.
The cause of the fire has not been released, she says it is partly the result of a mile winter, dry fuels, warm temperatures and sustained winds which provide optimal conditions for wildfires to start and spread. Norvell cautions the public to be extra careful with any activity that has the potential to start a fire, not matter how minimal the potential might seem.
Access into the area of the Leatherwood Wilderness where the fire is burning is being limited with Rand Road open to local traffic only.
For more information visit the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests webpage at www.fs.usda.org/osfnfhttp://www.fs.usda.org/osfnf.
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