Welcome rain has helped extinguish a wildfire that burned in the Cherokee National Forest.
According to the Cleveland Daily Banner, storms on Monday poured heavy rain onto a 1,500-acre fire in the Chilhowee Recreation Area of Polk County.
Forestry Division firefighters had set controlled fires to burn up brush that could have otherwise spread the wildfire.
Forestry officials believe the fire began when strong winds downed electric power lines in tinder dry conditions. The division will watch hotspots to make certain the fire doesn't regenerate.
Strong rain chances remain in the weather forecast for the remainder of the week.