GATLINBURG, Tenn. (WVLT)— Park officials said a fire in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that prompted the closure of some campsites, trails and a road was started by a lightning strike.

According to park officials, the fire was first reported on Aug. 26 and grew to 17 acres in size.

Management Assistant Katie Liming said that crews had been ordered to fight it from the air and ground.

Blackhawk helicopters from Knoxville’s 1-230th Assault Helicopter Battalion to help fight the fire from above Tuesday. Thursday, the park announced that two suppression modules had been deployed to help fight the fire, with another scheduled to arrive Friday.

The helicopters departed from Air National Guard Base with Bambi Buckets to use hundreds of gallons of water to fight the fire.

“Each aircraft made multiple trips throughout the afternoon, picking up water from nearby water sources and transporting it directly to the needed area,” officials said. “The aircrews delivered more than 40 bucket loads of water, totaling nearly 8,000 gallons.”

Three of the helicopters continued to assist throughout the day and into the night on Wednesday.

“The Tennessee National Guard is prepared to continue supporting the firefighting efforts as long as needed,” officials said.

Officials added that there is low potential for significant growth over the next few days due to current weather conditions and shaded terrain.

The following are still closed:

• Backcountry campsites 14, 15 and 16
• Parson Branch Road
• Parson Branch Road
• Trail from Abrams Creek to Cades Cove
• Hannah Mountain Trail from Parson Branch Road to Little Bottom Trail