09/07/2026
🚨 WILDERNESS SEARCH & RESCUE — CHESTNUT GAP TRAIL
Last night, Copper Basin Fire & Rescue responded to a wilderness search-and-rescue incident involving two people who became lost on Chestnut Gap Trail in the Ocoee Recreation Area.
A command post was established at Ocoee Powerhouse No. 3. Using the subjects’ last known cellphone location, UTV 1 entered the trail carrying three CBFR members and a U.S. Forest Service law-enforcement officer.
The crew traveled as far as trail conditions allowed, cutting and removing a fallen tree blocking their route. One CBFR member and the USFS officer then continued on foot to the cellphone’s last known location. When the subjects were not found there, the team continued searching the trail before returning to the command post to regroup and develop a new search strategy.
While returning, the UTV crew located the couple at the trailhead. They reported becoming disoriented and walking in circles. Both were transported safely to the command post and released to USFS Law Enforcement, who helped them return to their vehicle.
This incident offers an important reminder: If you become lost and have spoken with 911, stay where you told the dispatcher you would be unless you are in immediate danger. A cellphone location ping may be the only reliable information rescuers have, and the search will initially focus on that location. Moving—even with the best intentions—can make it much harder for rescuers to find you.
Stay in one place, conserve your cellphone battery, and follow the dispatcher’s instructions.
We are also grateful for the support of our neighboring departments:
• Wolf Creek Fire & Rescue Department moved up to provide coverage in Ducktown.
• Hiwassee Dam Fire Department remained on standby.
• Fannin County Fire Rescue relocated Rescue 5 to Station 4 to provide coverage from the McCaysville side—without even waiting to be requested.
That level of cooperation is a wonderful example of how our mutual-aid partners work together to keep all our communities protected while emergency resources are committed elsewhere.
We are thankful this incident ended safely and everyone returned home.
