Meteorologists are warning of record heat in Tennessee after a wildfire in the state’s Great Smoky Mountains spread to 4,000 square meters.

The Flint Gap Fire broke out Monday evening near Hannah Mountain in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, according to a National Park Service news release Wednesday. The NPS’s latest update estimates the fire to be about 10 acres in size, though the size was not confirmed until midday Tuesday and it’s possible the fire has since spread.

Newsweek has emailed the NPS for comment.

In addition to the growing fire, dangerously hot temperatures will be experienced across much of East Tennessee on Wednesday and Thursday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Meteorologists issued a hazardous weather forecast for East Tennessee, southwestern North Carolina and southwestern Virginia due to the heat.

“Record heat is expected this afternoon, with temperatures between 35 and 40 degrees Celsius. Protect yourself from the heat by staying hydrated and limiting time outdoors during the hottest hours of the afternoon,” said the forecast from the NWS office in Morristown, Tennessee.

It will still be hot on Thursday and Friday, with temperatures reaching highs of over 35 degrees.

“Thursday will be the hottest day, with temperatures around 38 degrees in the southern Tennessee Valley,” the weather forecast said.

NWS meteorologist Nathan Wellington said Newsweek that temperatures should return to normal this weekend.

He said that while high temperatures are not usually helpful in wildfires, it is still early in the wildfire season in Tennessee, meaning longer-term fuels such as trees have not yet dried out.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, much of East Tennessee is not in drought. Drought is mostly concentrated in the west-central part of the state. About 4 percent of Tennessee is battling severe drought.

Drought is worsening, as last week’s Drought Monitor showed that no part of the state is suffering from severe drought. More than 23 percent of Tennessee is considered moderately drought-affected, and more than half of the state is experiencing unusually dry conditions.

An air quality warning has been issued in the East Tennessee region. People who are sensitive to poor air quality, such as asthmatics, are advised to limit their time outdoors.

In its update, the NPS said no structures were threatened by the flames, although several closures have been put in place due to potential fire hazards. Closed are remote campgrounds 14, 15 and 16, Parson Branch Road, the Rabbit Creek Trail from Abrams Creek to Cades Cove and the Hannah Mountain Trail from Parson Branch Road to Little Bottom Trail.

Since Wednesday, the Tennessee National Guard has been helping to fight the flames with buckets.