Firefighters trying to put out a stubborn fire on the side of Signal Mountain were hoping the return of a state helicopter Monday afternoon would give them the tool they need to extinguish the blaze.
The helicopter, owned by the state Forestry Service, showed up shortly after 3 p.m. Monday and began dropping buckets of water every 4-5 minutes, scooping water from the Boston Branch Lake nearby.
The helicopter is the only way to get water on the fire, which has burned about 35 acres on the east side of the mountain off of Roberts Mill Road since Saturday, according to Hamilton County spokeswoman Amy Maxwell.
About 30-35 firefighters have been battling the fire in steep terrain. They have used several bulldozers to cut paths down closer to it to make it easier for crews to clear underbrush for firebreaks.
Officials say that while they are optimistic the fire will be contained soon, they are concerned that if the wind picks up, the flames could jump their firebreaks.