McCreary County — Fire crews are working to contain a large wildfire near the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area, where flames are threatening homes and park infrastructure in southeastern Kentucky.
According to the National Park Service, the Alum Fire was first reported Sunday afternoon and is burning within the Daniel Boone National Forest on land managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The fire is located about 300 yards east of the Big South Fork recreation area.
Officials estimate the wildfire has grown to between 550 and 600 acres.
Crews are developing plans for a potential strategic burnout operation, which could involve intentionally burning 150 to 200 acres of nearby National Park Service land. This tactic is used to strengthen containment lines, improve fire control, and limit further spread while protecting both public and private property.
Access to parts of the park has been restricted due to fire activity along State Highway 700, also known as Alum Road. Officials warned that additional road and trail closures are likely, particularly near Alum Road and the Yahoo Falls area, as firefighting efforts continue.
Authorities said visitors and park staff should expect rapidly changing conditions and limited access as crews respond to the evolving wildfire.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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