Wildfires continue to burn; live updates from WNC

The Forest Service shared on Tuesday evening that the Haoe Lead Fire is now 83% contained. It has burned over 3,100 acres.

The Memorial Loop Trail reopened on Tuesday, according to the Joyce Kilmer Partners. The trail was not damaged during the fire. The rest of the wilderness area is still closed as fire crews continue to clear impacted trails.

“While some damage is visible from the Loop, the Loop area itself was not impacted. The Fire crews are clearing (logging out) all the affected trails, and the rest of the area will be opened as soon as this is accomplished,” according to the Joyce Kilmer Partners.

The Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest has some of the oldest trees in the nation. Its stand of tulip poplars – and the memorial forest, steeped in history – have been unharmed in the blaze.

Lilly Knoepp

NC Governor Josh Stein extended the State of Emergency for 34 counties in Western North Carolina for an additional month because of wildfires.

"I appreciate all of the first responders, emergency managers, state forest rangers, and state and local officials working hard to protect North Carolinians from wildfires,” the governor said in a press release.

The declaration included: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Iredell, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Polk, Rowan, Rutherford, Stanly, Swain, Transylvania, Union, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey counties, as well as the tribal lands of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

"The spring wildfire season is off to a very busy start, which has kept the N.C. Forest Service, first responders and emergency management staff on their toes," Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said in the release. "Already in March and April, we have responded to 2,348 wildfire incidents involving over 23,000 acres."

Rain and damp conditions have helped the Haoe Lead Fire be contained at 57%.

The fire has burned 3,103 acres so far. Fire activity has been minimal.

Management officials have been transferred back to local officials. The Southern Area Gray Team left today and Cheoah Ranger District personnel are now managing the fire. There are 113 people working on the fire.

The wet weather is expected to continue with scattered showers and potentially thunderstorms through Saturday, April 26.

Courtesy of Forest Service

Almost an inch of rain fell across the Haoe Lead Fire early this week. The fire did not grow on Tuesday at 3,103 acres and containment remains the same at 29%.

Officials say fire crews patrolled roads and fire lines along and near the fire perimeter yesterday and today will remove hoselays and other water handling equipment from the area near the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Loop Trail (TR 43). They will also “begin suppression repair work to naturalize handlines and dozer lines on the east and south portions of the fire.”

More rain is expected today with the potential for thunderstorms so smoke will be minimal. Some resources are being reassigned to other wildfires.

The USDA Forest Service closure order for the area around the Haoe Lead Fire remains in effect including: the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness and non-Wilderness lands in the Santeetlah Road area.

This includes most trails in the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness remain closed, including Joyce Kilmer Memorial Loop. Several of these closed trails are sections of the Benton MacKaye Trail. Santeetlah Road and the Big Santeetlah Creek area are closed.

Officials say a quarter inch of rain in McDowell County over the last two days has helped put out the Bee Rock Creek Fire.
The 2,085-acre fire is now 94% contained according to the Forest Service. More rain is expected through Thursday.

Officials say this is the final daily update on the fire.

The National Forests in North Carolina closed the area of the Bee Rock Creek Fire between Armstrong Creek Road and the Blue Ridge Parkway during the fire. Check the National Forest and National Park Service websites to see what remains closed.

U.S. Forest Service

Operations Section Chief Terry Eller shared Tuesday that the Haoe Lead fire was 29% contained and has burned 3,103 acres so far.

Crews are working on the fire lines in the area and making progress.

“The weather is helping to suppress the current fire activity. There’s no current threats to any private property,” Eller said.

The Bee Rock Creek Fire in McDowell County is 50% contained, according to the latest report from the U.S. Forest Service.

Firefighters added containment yesterday to the fire line near the Blue Ridge Parkway. The east and west sides of the 2,085-acre fire remain uncontained, but staff used drones with infrared cameras to check that there is little to no heat near the firelines.

Most of the personnel assigned to the fire will return home or be reassigned to other fires, according to the update.

The weather is expected to help the efforts today with 1/3 inch of rain.

The 400-acre Sam Davis Road fire near Bryson City is 85% contained, according to the latest map from the North Carolina Fire Service. The evacuation order was lifted for Dark Branch Road and Bobcat Trail Evacuation earlier this evening.

The evacuation order was previously lifted for Big Rocky's Road, Sam Davis Road and the Sky Cove Development.

Roads in these areas are open to resident traffic only, according to a post from Swain County Emergency Management.

Swannanoa Fire and Rescue crews are asking the public to avoid Long Branch Road as they work to protect houses and extinguish a small wildfire.

The fire is only 10 acres and 50% contained, according to the department's Facebook page.

The department is receiving air support from the North Carolina Forest Service which is dumping hundreds of gallons of water near homes to protect them.

Officials say the Haoe Lead Fire grew slightly to the southwest yesterday to near the Wilderness boundary on Horse Cove Ridge. Helicopters dropped water on portions of the fire throughout the day other while crews worked on handlines.

The fire, as of early afternoon Monday, was 2,436 acres and 12% contained.

Officials say there are planned burnout operations today that will result in increased smoke.

The fire is burning entirely on National Forest System lands. There are no evacuations in effect at this time. Over the weekend, the Big Santeetlah Creek area was closed, including Santeetlah Road (FSR 81) and Wolf Laurel Road (FSR 81F).

The following trails remain closed: Slickrock Creek (TR 42), Joyce Kilmer Memorial Loop (TR 43), Haoe Lead (TR 53), Jenkins Meadow (TR 53A), Stratton Bald (TR 54), Naked Ground (TR 55), Hangover Lead (TR 56), Wolf Laurel (TR 57) and Strawberry Knob (TR 217-H). Several of these local trails are also sections of the Benton MacKaye Trail.

Light rain is potentially forecasted in the late afternoon and overnight.

Swain County Emergency Management announced residents of Big Rocky, Sam Davis, and the Sky Cove Development are now permitted to return to their homes on Monday afternoon.

The evacuation order remains in effect for Dark Branch Road and Bobcat Trail until further notice.

The Sam Davis Road Fire is now 350 acres and is 0% contained. The fire is about 4 miles southwest of Bryson City.

Officials warn that heavy smoke can be seen throughout Swain County and surrounding areas. Children, older adults, and those with asthma or heart disease, are recommended to stay indoors when there is wildfire smoke.

On April 18, the N.C. Forest Service (NCFS) assumed management of the Sam Davis Road Fire with Benji Reece as incident commander.

The cause is still under investigation.

The Bee Rock Creek Fire was 27% contained on Sunday. The fire has burned 1,397-acre of steep terrain and storm debris in McDowell County near the Armstrong State Fish Hatchery and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Robb Davis, Field Operations on the Bee Rock Creek Fire, shared the teams work plan on Sunday would focus on checking containment lines and fire lines on all sides of the fire.

“This is along the Blue Ridge Parkway, we’re going to look at rehabilitation of that site and make sure that everything looks good for environmental concerns,” Davis said.

There were 195 personnel from the USDA Forest Service, North Carolina Forest Service, National Park Service, McDowell County and Woodlawn Fire Department working on the fire Sunday, according to officials.

On Monday, that number decreased to 159 personnel.

The National Forests in North Carolina closed the area of the Bee Rock Creek Fire between Armstrong Creek Road and the Blue Ridge Parkway for public and firefighter safety.

Some sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway are also closed. Here's the list of closures.

Over the weekend, Swain County officials issued a declaration of a state of emergency due to wildfires in the county.

The Sam Davis Road Fire in Swain County forced the evacuation of about 30 homes this weekend, according to the latest report from Swain County Emergency Management.

The fire, which reached 115 acres, remains 0% contained. The North Carolina Forest Service is managing the fire which is bruning about four miles southwest of Bryson City.

Crews are focued on slowing the burn and keeping the fire within a perimeter of: Sam Davis Road (East), Big Rocky’s Road (North), Dark Branch Road (West), and Lower Alarka Road (South).

Firefigheters are also using aircraft to protect homes and support on-the-ground efforts.

"Crews are working together around the clock to protect lives, property, and natural resources," according to the update.

The Haoe Lead Fire near Lake Santeelah continues to burn across 2,043 acres, according to the latest update from the U.S. Forest Service.

Fire personnel from the Southern Area Gray Team is using a full suppression strategy on the fire, which is burning predominantly in hardwood leaf litter in steep and rugged terrain.

Yesterday, firefighters constructed handlines and began deploying hoselays in the Little Santeetlah Creek and Horse Cove Ridge areas. The strategy was designed to keep the fire away from the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest and Memorial Loop Trail.

Aerial tactics were also used to help keep the fire at bay. "Personnel patrolled the eastern portion of the fire along Maple Springs Overlook Road (SR 1127) and strengthened containment features," the statement said.

Today, firefighters planned to work on the east side of the fire along and near Maple Springs Overlook Road.

"On the south side of the fire, crews will continue to improve existing fire lines and construct additional handlines west of the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest and southward to Santeetlah Road (FSR 81)," according to the update.

On the west side of the fire, in the Wolf Laurel Branch and Stratton Bald areas, firefighters started creating handline and dozer lines.

Dozer work, which create firebreaks by using bulldozers to plow a line, will only be done on land outside of the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness, the statement said.

The Sam Davis Road Fire in Swain County has reached about 100 acres and is 0% contained. The fire, which prompted an evacuation notice Saturday afternoon, threatens the areas near Sam Davis Road, Gospel Road, Big Rocky’s Road, and Dark Branch Road.

The North Carolina Forest Service (NCFS) assumed management of the fire on Friday.

Firefighters are working to establish control lines with the help of air support, ground personnel, and heavy equipment.

Swain County officials issued an immediate evacuation for Big Rocky’s Road and the Sky Cove Development on Saturday afternoon.

A shelter is being set up at the Swain County Senior Center at125 Brendle St, Bryson City, NC 28713. Pets are not allowed at this shelter.

The Bee Rock Creek Fire in McDowell County reached 27% containment, stretching to 1,047 acres, according to an update from the U.S. Forest Service.

About 175 staff from the USDA Forest Service, North Carolina Forest Service, National Park Service, McDowell County and Woodlawn Fire Department are working to suppress the fire, which is burning near the Armstrong State Fish Hatchery. Helicopters drop water to help battle the blaze.

U.S. Forest Service

"Data from last night’s infrared flight showed heat near the south side of the Blue Ridge Parkway," according to the update. "This morning firefighters, including 2 Interagency Hotshot crews, investigated the area on foot and with the use of a drone but could not find a fire."

In order to use strategic burning methods, firefighters "removed storm debris and constructed dozer lines from the Parkway down towards the main fire area on the east and west sides to contain the fire within this area."

The U.S. Forest Service has issued a closure for areas near the fire.

US Forest Service

The Haoe Lead Fire just outside Robbinsville reached 1,895 acres, forcing the closure of Santeetlah Road (Forest Service Road 81) and the trails and recreation sites along it, according to the latest report from the Forest Service.

Although almost 90 people are working to fight the fire which started by lightening, it remains 0% contained.

The Southern Area Gray Team is managing the fire in the Joyce Kilmer Slickrock Wilderness on the Cheoah Ranger District of the Nantahala National Forest.

Firefighters are using "a full suppression strategy using existing barriers and a combination of direct and indirect tactics."

"Fire activity increased Friday afternoon because of full sun, wind, and low humidity conditions," according to the update. "Two heavy helicopters dropped water throughout the afternoon to limit fire spread."

After crossing Little Santeetlah Creek, the fire quickly became established in rugged steep terrain to the west of the forest and grew to the northwest.

On the eastern side of the fire, firefighters used a strategic firing operation along Maple Springs Overlook Road On the east flank of the fire near Horse Cove Campground.

Today, fire activity is expected to increase, particularly along the south and west facing slopes in the afternoon. Firefighters are working to construct lines and other protection measures in the Little Santeetlah Creek and Horse Cove Ridge areas between the active fire area and the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest.

Helicopters will continue to "drop water on the most active parts of the fire to reduce intensity and limit spread."

The following trails remain closed:
Slickrock Creek (TR 42)
Joyce Kilmer Memorial Loop (TR 43),
Haoe Lead (TR 53), Jenkins Meadow (TR 53A)
Stratton Bald (TR 54)
Naked Ground (TR 55)
Hangover Lead (TR 56)
Wolf Laurel (TR 57)
Strawberry Knob (TR 217-H)

Several of these local trails are also sections of the Benton MacKaye Trail.

Mitchell County officials warned residents near that McDowell County line that back burning may increase smoke in their area this weekend.

In a Facebook post, Mitchell County Fire Marshal and Emergency Management told residents near the little Switzerland community to exercise caution on roadways that may be impacted by smoke.

The U.S. Fire Service is using back burning operations to help contain the Bee Rock Creek Fire in neighboring McDowell County, according to the post.

U.S. Forest Service

The Bee Rock Creek Fire in McDowell County is still spreading. The fire is now 856 acres with 10% containment.

Officials announced an evacuation of Wild Acres Road due to the fire at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 16. The area is still under evacuation order. Here is a live evacuation of the map.

The USDA Forest Service, North Carolina Forest Service, McDowell County and Woodlawn Fire Department have 180 personnel working to suppress the fire and create containment lines to stop the spread of the fire. Crews are prepping the Blue Ridge Parkway as a potential containment line by removing downed vegetation from Hurricane Helene, according to the Forest Service.

U.S. Forest Service

Haoe Fire is now over 1,000 acres and still completely uncontained. The fire started on April 12. The fire is about seven miles west of Robbinsville in Graham County and two miles west of Lake Santeetlah. The fire is in the Cheoah Ranger District of the Nantahala National Forest.There are 84 people working to contain the fire.

The following trails in the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness are closed:

• Stratton Bald- TR 54
• Haoe Lead- TR 53
• Wolf Laurel- TR 57
• Strawberry Knob- TR 217 H
• Naked Ground- TR 55
• Hangover Lead- TR 56
• Jenkins Meadow- TR 56
• Slickrock Creek- TR 42
• Joyce-Kilmer Memorial Loop Trail

The wilderness is home to “one of the Nation’s most impressive remnants of old-growth forest,” according to the Forest Service. The forest contains more than 100 tree species including many that are over 400-years-old.

Robbinsville Mayor Shaun Adams told BPR there is some concern about the fire.

"There has been some visible smoke from the Haoe fire today, but it is on National Forest Service property away from town, but there is some concern," Adams said in an email, adding that the nearby fire in Cherokee County was also a concern.

Yesterday another fire broke out in nearby Topton in Cherokee County. Local USDA Forest Service and North Carolina Forest Service firefighters have contained 85% of the fire which has spread roughly 60 acres.

North Carolina Daily Fire Danger

Wildfire danger is high right now in Western North Carolina due to dry conditions. Fire danger is very high in 7 western counties, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Swain, Macon, Jackson and Haywood counties, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

U.S. Forest Service

Haywood County commissioners on Tuesday morning ended the local State of Emergency related to the Rattlesnake Branch Fire.

Yesterday, firefighters couldn’t work on the fire because of the rain.

“Due to the rain, we really have few expectations of any active fire behavior moving forward, so this will be our last fire update on the Rattlesnake Branch Fire,” officials said on Facebook.

Since the blaze broke out, about 740 homes were secured from the fire.

On Friday, Rattlesnake Branch Fire was 1,843 acres and 26% contained of the 86% intended to be contained.

Haywood County and all municipalities within the county remain under a State of Emergency related to Hurricane Helene. Trails in the area are still closed.

On Tuesday morning, officials announced that the Alarka Fire in Swain County is now 100% contained. The fire burned 1,575 acres in total.

The North Carolina Forest Service assumed management of the Alarka Fire for the final stretch on April 2.

During the fire, about 20 homes were evacuated. One home and one camper were destroyed.

Swain County shared updates on the fire under a new official Swain County Emergency Management Facebook page.

The National Park Service has lifted the burn ban at Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Officials said campfires and charcoal use are permitted, effective immediately, on Friday, April 4.

Visitors are reminded to use caution while recreating in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Here's the list of current closures due to Helene recovery and current weather.

Here is more information on current trail closures and up-to-date information on road closures.

The Rattlesnake Branch Fire remains at 1,843 acres and 26% contained. The Forest Service said that while several resources are returning home, more than 110 personnel continue to work on the fire.

Officials said some areas of the fire received rain yesterday. More firefighters and equipment will be released from the fire today.

"Remaining personnel will continue to patrol and mop up around structures in Crawford Creek and Cruso, as needed, and improve fire lines to protect structures in the Burnett, Lenoir and Dix Creek drainages and around the Camp Daniel Boone Boy Scout Camp," according to a press release.

Only National Forest System land in the Shining Rock Wilderness Area is closed at this time.

After days of wet weather and cool conditions significantly dampened the Black Cove fire complex, the state’s forest service has transitioned the response back to local authorities. Rain played a key role in containing the burn.

Bo Dossett, a spokesperson for the state forest service, told BPR that management of the fire is going back to the local authorities because the fire no longer requires as much state support.

“So it’s going back to the local office,” he said. “The fire is now just going to be managed by people out of the forest service’s Asheville district. Instead of a team composed from people all over the state, it’s a smaller group of local folks.”

The fire complex, made up of three fires – the Black Cove, Deep Woods and Fish Hook – encompassed 7,670 acres. The 3,502-acre Black Cove fire is 97% contained. The 3,969-acre Deep Woods fire is 79% contained. The 199-acre Fish Hook fire is 100% contained.

There are no active evacuation orders for Polk or Henderson counties, where the fires are situated.

Both the Black Cove and Fish Hook fires were caused by downed power lines. The Deep Woods fire is still under investigation.

Courtesy of Haywood County Emergency Services

The Rattlesnake Branch fire is now 1,843 acres and 26% contained. Officials said 93% of the fire is within areas where a containment strategy is in place.

The Forest Service explained yesterday that, “containment usually indicates how much of the fire has been surrounded by a control line that will not allow progression of the fire.”

However, much of the Rattlesnake Branch Fire is burning in the Shining Rock Wilderness area in Pisgah National Forest. In the wilderness area, there are restrictions on firefighting and much of it is inaccessible so the fire strategy in the wilderness is to "confine," not contain.

Yesterday, out of the total acreage of the fire, 72% was in wilderness where crews use a "confine" approach, while 28% is outside of the wilderness and part of a full suppression and containment strategy. Of this 28% of the fire, 24% of the fire was contained on Wednesday. Read the full explanation here.

There is minimal fire activity expected today. Shining Rock Wilderness Area is still closed.

Officials in Transylvania County and Pickens, SC saw a "significant jump" Tuesday in containment on the Table Rock Fire Complex. Firefighters now say containment increased to 68% from 30% yesterday.

"In general, infrared mapping revealed that the fire perimeter is secure even though heat remains on the interior of the fire," a press release from Transylvania County stated.

The fire consumed 13,564 acres, including 12,929 acres in South Carolina and 635 acres in North Carolina.

Rattlesnake Branch Fire did not spread yesterday, according to officials.

The fire is still 24% contained and is now 1,851 acres. However, the heat in logs and trees after the rain subsided reignited flames that has been cold.

Crews continued to patrol fire lines and protect homes along U.S. 276 & Burnett Cove Rd. They also used drones to map location for new fire lines. The crew’s goal for the day is to extend fire protection towards the East Fork of the Pigeon River.

Swain Emergency Management

The Alarka Fire is 80% contained and 1,575 acres with about a 20 acre increase in the size of the fire.

The Alarka 5 Fire was being managed by the Southern Area Gray Incident Management Team The Gray Team took command of the Alarka 5 Fire on Friday, March 28. Today at noon, command of the fires was returned to the local North Carolina State Incident Command.

Swain County also lifted its burn ban today.

Initially, reports indicated that two structures and a camper were destroyed. Upon further assessment, it was confirmed that one residential structure and one camper were lost.

Although early reports suggested a downed powerline may have been the cause, the official cause is still yet to be determined. The fire investigator has opened an official investigation.

The fire has spread onto the Eastern Band of Cherokee’s tribal land. The Gray team shared that there were not back fires set on tribal land but that existing logging roads are being used as fire lanes to fight the fire. There are four acres of fire on the Qualla Boundary.

The North Carolina Forest Service has lifted its ban on all open burning starting at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, April 2. The statewide ban went into effect on March 21 due to hazardous forest fire conditions.

“We’ve received some well-timed, much-needed rain over the last couple days which has helped reduce fire danger, allowing us to lift burn ban restrictions across the state,” Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said in a press release.

The lifting of the burn ban does not apply to fires started within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. The local fire marshal has authority to issue or lift a burn ban within that 100 feet.

Buncombe County's burn ban ran concurrently with the state ban. Other counties had local burn bans within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. Jackson and Macon Counties rescinded their local bans on Tuesday.

Burn permits that were previously approved are void and must be reapproved. Here is more information on what is legal to burn and when from the NC Department of Environmental Quality.

Troxler reminded community members to continue to use caution.

“However, we are still in the midst of spring wildfire season and our recent wildfire activity, especially in Western North Carolina, is a reminder to remain vigilant about burning safely and responsibly,” he said.

Four teenagers have been charged with negligently allowing fire to spread to lands or property of another in conjunction with the Table Rock Fire that consumed 13,000 acres in North and South Carolina, according to the South Carolina Forestry Commission.

Nyzaire Jah-Neiz Marsh,19, of Taylors, SC, Tristan Tyler, 18, of Greenville, SC, Isaac Wilson, 18, of Greenville, SC, and an unnamed juvenile are accused of smoking on a hiking trail in the state park and not propertly extinguishing their cigarettes. The fire spread to Transylvania County, prompting evacuations late last week.

The three adults were booked this morning into the Pickens County Detention Center and released on personal recognizance bonds of $7,500 each. The juvenile was released to the custody of his parents, according to the post.

If convicted, they could face up to 30 days in prison and up to $200 in fines.

U.S. Forest Service

The fight against the Rattlesnake Branch Fire was helped by rain yesterday in Haywood County. The fire is the same size at 1,865 acres and now 24% contained, up from 21% on Monday.

“There was no fire movement yesterday,” Dave Walker, Operations Section Chief for the Southern Area Red Team said in a press release.

Potential fire lines north and west of the fire will be mapped using crews will be on the ground and a drone.

Operations Section Chief Mark Jamieson explained that the part of the fire that “can be contained” is 24% contained but parts of the fire are in a wilderness area right now and cannot be contained but are in a “confined strategy."

“That really does suppress the fire very well, but the logs and the stumps…will start to smolder again today…that can cause more fire spread. We don’t anticipate any fire spread today,” Jamieson said.

Resources at the fire have been reduced, but Jamieson said firefighters will know today if the rain “killed the fire” or not.

The Forest Service will provide an udate later today to explain how the fire is being contained in the wilderness area.

The Alarka Fire in Swain County is now 62% contained. The Southern Area Gray Incident Management Team, which started managing the fire on Friday, is preparing to return the management of the fire to N.C Forest Service on Thursday.

Firefighters cleaned up and removed equipment that is no longer being used along the fireline. In addition, fire crews patrolled the fire perimeter.

Keith Fields with the Incident team explained that the containment line will be filled in on the map.

“In the next day or so that we are here, it will be a lot of cleaning things up and making sure the map is accurate,” Fields said during the Monday update.

Officials with the NC Forest Service have turned a corner in controlling the Black Cove and Deep Woods fires in Polk and Henderson counties.

" We are getting more and more containment every day, and we're starting to divert people to be able to send firefighters home to get some rest," Bo Dosset, a spokesman for the Forest Service told BPR.

Firefighters were making slow progress with containment lines over the past week, and rain today and over the weekend helped, Dosset said.

"We were starting to get some good lines around [that] significantly decreased the amount uncontrolled fire out on the landscape," he said. "However, the rain was definitely the final blow that really pushed us over the edge in getting this thing wrapped up."

The fire acreage and containment levels are:

Black Cove Fire is at 3,502 acres and 93% containment with no mandatory evacuations.

Deep Woods Fire is at 3,969 acres and 60% containment with no mandatory evacuations.

Fish Hook Fire is at 199 acres and 100% Containment with no mandatory evacuations.

The Table Rock Fire is nearly one-third contained, according to an update Monday afternoon from the South Carolina Forestry Commission.

The fire, which consumed 13,191 acres in South Carolina, reached 574 acres in North Carolina. The perimeter did not increase, but the total acreage is larger because crews successfullly used burnout efforts on the southwest part of the blaze.

Today firefighters are focused on completing firelines on the Transylvania County part of the fire. "Firefighters will be scouting for opportunities to directly construct lines in the Raven Cliffs area to keep the fire from spreading into Matthews Creek," the post said.

The second fire in the complex, the Persimmon Ridge Fire is 64% contained and has not increased in acreage in several days. Debris from Hurricane Helene continues to cause challenges, and officials are using additional equipment to "break up this debris and allow firefighters to mop up the fallen trees and other material that is retaining heat."

Fire officials in North and South Carolina say that the rain over the weekend and expected later today are making them feel good about the future of several wildfires burning in the area.

"Yesterday's rainfall coupled with the strong firefighting efforts over the last several days allowed us to make great progress on the fires," Mike Brod with the SC Forestry Commission said.

The Table Rock fire has not grown over the last 24 hours, he said during a video briefing Monday morning.

"We are starting to show some containment along the fire lines," he added.

In Polk and Henderson counties, "widespread rain across the fire area last night helped cool some of the hotter areas of the fire. Showers and potential thunderstorms are likely this afternoon and are expected to further dampen fire behavior," the NC Forest Service wrote in an update this morning.

The size and containment numbers are:

• Black Cove – 3,502 acres, 36% contained
• Deep Woods – 3,971 acres, 32% contained
• Fish Hook – 199 acres, 100% contained

Today’s firefighting operation will focus on patrolling for any remaining hot spots and repairing areas of the heaviest impact to protect waterways and other natural resources, the agency said.

Firefighters at Rattlesnake Branch Fire in Haywood County saw minimal fire activity on Sunday. The area received rain but less than predicted, according to the N.C. Forest Service.

The fire is now approximately 1,865 acres and 21% contained. Yesterday, the fire was reported to be 1,882 acres but the decrease in acreage is due to better mapping, according to the Forest Service. The containment level is the same.

In Swain County, the Alarka Fire containment also held overnight at 37%. Containment increased Sunday to 37% contained, up from 19%, according to the N.C. Forest. The fire remained the same size at 1,511 acres on Sunday and continued to hold Monday morning.

The N.C. Forest Service Southern Area Gray Incident Management Team, which started managing the Alarka Fire on Friday, is preparing to return the management of the fire to state fire personnel. As much as a half inch of rain is forecasted for the county.

N.C. Forest Service

The Alarka Fire containment increased Sunday to 37% contained, up from 19%, according to the N.C. Forest at 7:30 p.m. The fire remained the same size at 1,511 acres throughout the day.

Swain County Emergency Management thanked the community for their support during the fire but said the department has “received more than enough donations to meet the current needs of our crews on the ground.”

“Our community has shown incredible generosity in supporting the responders working on the Alarka Fire. The care packages, snacks, drinks, and supplies have truly lifted spirits and reminded us all what makes this place so special,” Swain Emergency Management posted on Facebook.

Swain Emergency Management said if “additional needs arise as the response continue,” the public will be updated.

Higher humidity and minimal winds kept fire activity low today at the Black Cove Complex Fire, according to a statement from the North Carolina Forest Service.

The largest of the three fires, the nearly 4,000 acre Deep Woods Fire, remains 32% contained as of this afternoon. Containment on the 3,500-acre Black Cove Fire inched up to 36% today. The 199-acre Fish Hook Fire reached 100% containment earlier in the weekend.

Officials expect rain later tonight and tomorrow to help firefighters patrol the fire and conduct suppression repair.

"With the impacted area primarily being in steep terrain leading to waterways, these repair activities can go a long way toward mitigating environmental impacts to the streams and rivers, such as sedimentation," the statement said.

Following a promising day fighting the Table Rock fire yesterday, the South Carolina Forestry Commission announced some containment on the fire today.

"Expected rain this afternoon will support holding containment lines where strategic firing operations occurred Saturday, while also providing more opportunities to go direct where the fire crossed into Transylvania County," a post from the Forestry Commission said.

The fire is now more than 11,000 acres — with a majority of the acrerage in South Carolina. Only 574 acres are burning in North Carolina. The fires is at 9% containment.

The Persimmon Ridge Fire, which covers 2,078 acres, has reached 24% containment.

"Potential thunderstorms this afternoon with approximately 1/4-inch of rainfall across the fire today with winds from the south to southeast, allowing firefighters to strengthen containment lines. A return to drier conditions is expected Monday and Tuesday," the Forestry Commission said.

NC Air Quality Forecast Center

Increasing moisture and showers have significantly lowered smoke and fine particulate levels across western North Carolina, according to the NC Air Quality Forecast Center.

The agency has cancelled their air quality alerts as a result of the positive change.

For a display of the most recent Air Quality Index (AQI) conditions throughout the day, visit the Ambient Information Reporter (AIR) tool.

According to the agency, a stronger secondary cold front will approach from the west on Monday, bringing better chances for rain across the state.

"A strong area of high pressure building in from the north should result in a continuation of clean air quality across the state. We will continue to monitor the fires impacting western NC and adjust the air quality forecast as conditions warrant," the agency said in a Sunday afternoon report.

Transylvania County

Officials in Transylvania County have lifted mandatory evacuations for residents.

The decision was made after reviewing current conditions and operational plans across federal, state and local agencies, according to a press release from the county.

"At this stage, the fire in North Carolina has been primarily on state forest lands with minimal impact to private property. Residents previously under the mandatory evacuation may return to their homes," the notice said.

Transylvania County evacuations maps are being revised to show a yellow zone reflecting area where residents "are advised to maintain situational awareness and have preparations in place should a new evacuation order be issued."

Rattlesnake Branch Fire is growing at a slow, steady pace as it moves northwest, mostly through the Shining Rock Wilderness Area as of Sunday morning, according to Haywood Emergency Services. 

N.C. Forest Service

Backburning and other firefighting techniques have kept the fire away from 129 homes in Haywood County that were threatened according to Public Information Officer Catherine Hibbard of N.C. Forest Service.

The fire is currently 1,882 acres and 21 percent contained. Nearly 140 personnel are on the fire, with more firefighters and equipment on the way, according to the Forest Service. It is burning 2.4 Miles from the Transylvania County border at the closest point and it's 8.9 miles from the Jackson County line, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

Pisgah National Forest remains closed due to the fire. Hiking trails and recreation are also closed in the areas bordered by US 276, NC 215, and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

On Sunday, crews plan to continue to hold and improve existing fire containment lines located south of Cold Creek Road and west of Route 276.

The weather forecast includes rain with the potential for thunderstorms. The Forest Service says that “although rain is expected today and tomorrow, it is expected to be minimal and dry conditions are expected to return.”

Transylvania County is receiving "small amounts of rain" that is helping control the Table Rock Fire which has moved into North Carolina, according to officials.

The Table Rock Fire is the bigger of two fires that originated in South Carolina. It is at approximately 11,468 acres as of a noon update from Transylvania County.

The other, Persimmon Ridge Fire, is just over 2,000 acres and not in Transylvania County as of Sunday afternoon.

County Manager Jaime Laughter said there have been improvements in some areas that were previously evacuated.

" We should be able to lift evacuation orders, at least the mandatory evacuation orders sometime today," she said in a video posted to the county's Facebook page at about 1 p.m.

Henderson County downgraded the last remaining evacuation notice from the fire this morning.

Officials moved the Summer Haven Community in Saluda down to a Level 2, "Get Set" level.

Orders in other areas of the county were removed earlier as conditions improved. Find full evacuation orders and levels here.

Blake Wilkey, Gastonia Fire Department

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NC Forest Service

Wet weather conditions Saturday night benefitted fire crews working on the more than 7,000 acre Black Cove Fire Complex in Polk and Henderson counties.

Higher humidity overnight and patchy showers in the early morning helped keep fire behavior low, according to a statement from the N.C. Forest Service. Firefighters used the oppportunity from the mitigating weather conditions to construct and reinforce containment lines.

"With the fire primarily creeping and smoldering, firefighting crews are focused on patrolling and mopping up any remaining hot spot areas as well as conducting repairs on areas most impacted by firefighting activities," the statement said.

The latest data from the three-fire Black Cove Complex shows the same information from Saturday: the largest of the three fires, the Deep Woods Fire, remains 32% contained while the Black Cove Fire is 35% contained.

The 199-acre Fish Hook Fire reached 100% containment yesterday.

Alarka Fire containment did improve overnight. On Sunday morning, the fire is 121 acres larger at 1,511 acres. Rain is forecasted today in Bryson City. The Forest Service shared that crews worked to build up containment and will continue operations today. Watch the full update here.

The N.C. Forest Service shared that firefighters continue to keep the fire north of Alarka Road, monitoring the fire in the first Hurricane Branch for spot-overs to the west, as well as keep the fire east of First Hurricane Branch.

Firefighters will construct an indirect line from Rattlesnake Knob, following the ridge to Rich Mountain. They are also working to improve the preparation around the Fry Mountain Communications Site, according to the N.C. Forest Service.

The fire map now shows that it has now spread onto the Eastern Band of Cherokee’s tribal land.

N.C. Forest Service

Precipitation aided firefighters battling the Table Rock Fire complex in South Carolina, according to an update from the Southern Area Blue Team who is leading efforts there.

"There's rain in the air, not as much as we'd like to have, but hopefully there's more on the way," Operations Section Captain Derrick Moore said.

The wet weather generally helps firefighters, but it may also limit the ability to use aerial equipment today, Moore said.

"With the mitigated weather, we may not need those assets like we did before," he said. "We're fine with that."

Crews made progress overnight in containing the Table Rock Fire which runs across the state line into Transylvania County.

On the northern side, the Table Rock Fire "just kind of ran up to this ridge top on the state line and then slopped over on the other side," he said. "On the other side, it doesn't quite have the topography to make it want to move really fast, especially with the weather conditions that we've got now. We've got more opportunities to go direct."

Moore described the work along the North Carolina border as a "10,000 piece puzzle" where staff are working to connect lines to contain the fire.

The wet weather also means the northeastern edge of the fire may "park itself" for a few days, so crews will have to make new assessments about the strategies they use, he said. Firefighters in that area are focused on structure protection given that much of the fire is still uncontained.

Moore said he believes the Persimmon Ridge Fire, the smaller in the complex, has reached the footprint where it will remain. Crews will continue to mop up and monitor.

U.S. Forest Service

The U.S. Forest Service said that firefighters made progress on the Big Ridge Fire on Saturday but the southwest side of the fire continued to advance. Rain showers and potential thunderstorms are expected today and more rain is on the forecast for Monday. The fire is 2,709 acres and 0% contained.

Yesterday, officials said the fire is not a threat to North Carolina but if that changes then U.S. Forest Service will work with partners in the state.

The NC Department of Environmental Quality reduced the air quality warning to Code Orange in much of Western North Carolina Sunday, but several counties remain under Code Red.

Henderson, Transylvania, and Polk counties are experiencing a Code Red Air Quality Action Day. This notification means the air is considered unhealthy, and officials strongly recommend limiting time outdoors.

Residents in Buncombe, Haywood, Swain, Macon, and Rutherford counties are under a Code Orange notice until midnight tonight. Older people, children and individuals with health concerns should limit outdoor exposure.

Firefighters reached 18% containment of the Alarka 5 Fire near Bryson City today, up from 10% at the last report.

According to a post from Swain County Emergency Management, 164 personnel are working to contain the 1,390 acre blaze. All evacuation orders from the fire have been lifted.

The firefighting operations are being managed by the Southern Area Gray Incident Management Team with Mitch Ketron as the incident commander.

More than 60 community members attended a meeting this evening at Alarka Fire Department where officials shared the latest.

Tonight's weather forecast calls for a 30% chance of rain, mainly after 3:00 AM, according to the post. New precipitation is possible, but forecasted to be less than a tenth of an inch.

The Rattlesnake Branch Fire in Haywood County held steady all day, as firefighters worked to protect homes in Cruso, Crawford Creek and install bulldozer lines from Cold Creek to Burnett Cove.

As of this evening, the fire, which is approximately 11 miles southeast of Waynesville, is around 1,200 acres and 20% contained.

Crews are using helicopter operations to back the fire down and reduce the risk of it running uncontrolled upslope, according to a post from the U.S. Forest Service.

It is situated on private land and in the Shining Rock Wilderness Area. The wilderness area and some nearby roads remain closed as firefighters continue their work.

This closure includes all National Forest System land between US-276 and NC-215 north of the Blue Ridge Parkway (between mile markers 405 and 420).

U.S. Forest Service

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U.S. Forest Service Facebook Page

Increased humidity and other favorable weather conditions assisted in containment and suppression efforts in the Black Cove Fire Complex today, according to the latest report from the N.C. Forest Service.

As of this evening, the Black Cove Fire is 3,500 acres in size. Containment improved today from 23% to 35%. The improved weather conditions allowed firefighters to do some strategic burning operations this afternoon along the Camp Creek area of the fire.

The Fish Hook Fire is now 100% contained at 199 acres.

The largest of the three fires, the Deep Woods Fire, is 3,970 acres, up slightly from this morning's 3,797 acres. The fire remains 32% contained.

Crews continue to strengthen and patrol containment lines, the statement said.

Asheville saw worsened air quality on Saturday afternoon due wildfires in the area.

The Asheville Fire Department responded to the brush fire near East Oakview Road around 4 p.m, and it is now fully contained. There are no new substantial fires in Asheville, according to a fire department post.

Smoky conditions and poor air quality persist across the western region of the state from large fires in Polk and Swain counties as well as smoke from two large fires near the South Carolina border.

On Saturday, the NC Department of Air Quality issued a “Code Red” Air Quality notice for Buncombe, Transylvania, Henderson and Polk counties, meaning some members of the general public may experience health effects, particularly if they are old, young or have pre-existing health issues like heart or lung disease.

On days with poor air quality, officials recommend that people avoid, or reduce, long or intense outdoor activities.

Favorable weather conditions aided firefighters who worked today to contain the Table Rock Fire, according to the most recent report from Transylvania County authorities.

Aerial support is being used to battle the 12,000 acre blaze that started in South Carolina, the 6 p.m. statement said.

The fire is one of three in the Black Rock Fire complex. The second, the Persimmon Ridge Fire, is at about 2,000 acres and has not crossed the state line into North Carolina.

Teams are using controlled burning to help keep the fires under control.

"The Southern Area Blue Team has increased their controlled burn area to 5000 acres and will fly the boundary once the controlled burn is complete," the statement said.

More rain is expected, but officials remind residents that the burn ban remains in place.

The Alarka 5 Fire near Bryson City has reached 1,078 acres as of this morning, according to a post from Swain County Emergency Management.

The fire remains 10% contained. Crews are wroking to keep the fire north of Alarka Road and east of First Hurricane Branch.

Today, firefighters are constructing an indirect line from Rattlesnake Knob, following the dominant ridge to Rich Mountain, according to the post.

They continue to work to protect Frye Mountain where the Frye tower is located.

Officials will hold a community meeting tonight at 6 p.m. at the Alarka Fire Department at 3601 Alarka Road in Bryson City.

Air quality has improved slightly in some parts of Western North Carolina, but conditions remain unhealthy across the region as wildfires continue to burn.

According to the latest update by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Transylvania and Henderson counties have been downgraded from Code Purple to Code Red, where the air is still considered unhealthy, and limiting time outdoors is strongly advised. Buncombe and Polk counties are also under Code Red alerts.

Jose Sandoval/BPR

Several other counties — including McDowell, Rutherford, Haywood, Swain and Macon — remain under Code Orange alerts. The alert means air quality is unhealthy for sensitive groups, such as people with asthma, heart or lung conditions, older adults and children.

Check here for updated maps and details on air quality alerts.

The Big Ridge Fire in northern Georgia does not pose an immediate threat to Macon County, fire officials said Saturday in a midday briefing.

"Currently, it is not a threat to North Carolina," Operations Section Chief for the Southern Area Gold Team Brian Elam said. "If that does come into play, then we would work across state lines with our cooperators there."

The fire, which encompasses 1,936 acres and is 0% contained, is situated near Sky Valley in Rabun County, Georgia.

"While this fire behavior is unusual, we are not unprepared, Judy Toppins, forest supervisor of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, said.

Fire behavior reduced overnight at the Black Cove Fire Complex, according to North Carolina Forest Service officials.

"Many areas across the fire were quiet last night, and smoke was minimal," a service press release said.

Higher humidity and calmer winds allowed crews to strengthen containment lines. Firefighters also successfully completed "burnout" operations around Holbert Cove Road last night, according to the release.

NC Forest Service

Data from the Service remained unchanged from last night's report: the Deep Woods Fire is 3,797 acres and 32% contained, and the Black Cove Fire is 23% contained and has consumed 3,410 acres. The Fish Hook Fire remains 95% contained at 199 acres.

Crews have started suppression repair at Deep Woods and Black Cove to rehabilitate areas impacted by firefighting efforts.

The Rattlesnake Branch Fire is 20% contained at 1,200 acres, according to a U.S. Forest Service update this morning.

Crews are working to make sure homes are secured, Southern Area Red Incident Management Team Operations Section Chief Mark Jamieson explained in a video.

Steep, rugged terrain makes it difficult for firefighters to confine and contain the fire, he said.

Fire personnel will focus on the western side of the fire to make sure there are ample preparations if the fire expands that direction.

Weather conditions are playing a critical role in the ability of fire personnel to fight the 11,000-acre Table Rock Fire, which straddles the state line, according to an update from Transylvania County officials this morning.

Yesterday's weather hindered containment efforts and allowed the wildland fire to expand further into the county. The fireline was maintained overnight, but low humidity and wind conditions pose challenges today, the statement said.

"This is a complex wildland fire event that requires multiagency response," the statement said. Crews from across the state and nation are working to contain the fire.

In order to keep roads accessible to crews, officials closed East Fork Road from the East Fork entrance of Connestee Falls to Glady Fork Road.

South Carolina officials expressed optimism about their ability to contain the Table Rock Fire, which is running along the southern edge of Transylvania County.

The fire, which is approaching 11,000 acres, does not pose major concerns or new issues, according to a video by the South Carolina Foresty Commission.

This morning, there are favorable conditions in terms of weather and resources, Operations Section Captain Derrick Moore said.

Transylvania staff is doing "a heck of a job," he said.

The last mapped fire acreage of the Rattlesnake Branch Fire yesterday afternoon showed the blaze at 506 acres with an additional 289 acres from firing operations.

US 276 remains open, but officials recommend using caution when driving because crews are driving heavy equipment and patrolling for hot spots along the highway.

The N.C. Forest Service Southern Area Red Incident Management Team assumed control of the fire this morning.

Closures:
The Shining Rock Wilderness Area is closed for all uses, including the following trailheads:

• Little East Fork
• Shining Creek
• Big East Fork
• Mountains to Sea Trail Crossing at 215
• Art Loeb Trail at Camp Daniel Boone
• Art Loeb trail crossing at the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Data on wildfires note the percentage of containment. But what does containment mean? A video from the South Carolina Forestry Commission explains:

About 450 staff from across the state and nation continue to work to address the Black Cove Fire complex while officials hope better weather will aid in the fight.

The Black Cove Fire continued to be "intense" today, according to a statement from the North Carolina Forest Service.

There was "rapid fire spread and areas of extreme burning conditions due to shifting winds and dry weather during the day," the statement said.

Firefighters installed containment features on the fire's edge east and south of Summer Haven Lane, according to the statement.

Fire personnel continue to prioritize the southwest portion of the fire in order to slow the spread and protect homes in the Skyland Acres area. Throughout the night, crews will continue strategic fire operations in the Big Hungry area.

The largest fire in the complex, the Deep Woods Fire, is 32% contained.

The northwestern section of the Deep Woods Fire "is becoming more secure, as firefighting crews continue to patrol and monitor fire containment lines," the statement said.

Crews constructed containment lines from Green River Road to Holbert Cove Road by way of Cove Mountain. Along the southeastern part of the fire, staff have made structure protection efforts.

Firefighters will continue use "burnouts" throughout the night to remove unburned fuels between the containment lines and the active fire. These strategic operations are monitored and patrolled, the statement said.

The two largest fires in the Black Cove Complex in Polk County have improved, according to the latest report from county officials.

The Black Cove Fire reached 3,410 acres and is 23% contained, while the Deep Woods Fire is 3,797 acres and 32% contained.

"On the western end of the fire, firefighters were able to conduct strategic firing operations overnight to consume fuels in the path of the fire's spread," the NC Forest Service said in a Facebook post.

Dillon Michael, N.C. Forest Service

Three fires continue to threaten Transylvania County: the Pisgah National Forest fire at Rattlesnake Branch Fire and two fires in South Carolina, the Persimmon Ridge Fire and the Table Rock Fire.

Only the 9,000 acre Table Rock Fire has crossed into the county. The fires have required mandatory evacuation of 758 structures.

Today, aerial support arrived to help with fire protection and allow for closer tracking of the fire line, according to a press release by county officials. The county used two Fixed Wing Aircraft and four Rotary Wing aircraft and requests for additional aircraft are pending.

A federal unit, the Southern Area Blue Team Incident Management Team, took over command of the operation earlier today.

County officials said a spot fire "jumped containment lines in the area of Crane Lane and East Fork Road, and firefighters have stopped active engagement in that area."

According to the release, crews repositioned to the East Fork Road area and set up containment lines and defensive operations.

Wind gusts up to 20 mile per hour were expected this evening.

About 140 emergency management and fire staff are working in the area, and another 30 will arrive this evening. An additional NC Strike Team will relieve and reinforce existing crews.

"Federal, state and regional/local mutual aid departments are supporting firefighting activities for Connestee Fire Rescue and Cedar Mountain Fire Rescue Inc," according to the release.

Going into the weekend, officials expect weather conditions to challenge fire control in southern Transylvania County along the South Carolina border.

The two active fires in Buncombe County are largely contained.

As of 4:15 on Friday, the Garren Creek Fire is 85% contained.

The fire, located in Fairview on Old Fort Road, burned around four acres, according to the Fairview Volunteer Fire Department Facebook page.

The Freedom Farm Fire in Leicester is 100% contained and burned 130 acres.

In a 6 p.m. update, South Carolina officials said the Table Rock Fire "continues to grow, with significant fire activity on the north perimeter towards the North Carolina state line."

The fire, which is 8,679 acres, remains 0% contained.

Earlier today, the fire expanded past containment lines in Transylvania County.

Transylvania County officials asked the public to be alert for evacuation notices delivered via the county’s emergency alert system or a knock on the door. Residents need to register for the system.

SC Forestry Commission

South Carolina officials said crews will continue working to strengthen containment lines to the east and west fire perimeters.

The nearby Persimmon Ridge Fire also remains 0% contained. The fire, which has consumed 1,992 acres, has not yet reached the state line.

"Conditions leading to a red flag warning from the National Weather Service will increase fire activity and perimeter growth, as relative humidity is expected to fall below 20 percent with wind gusts up to 30 miles per hour," according to the post from the South Carolina Forestry Commission.

Haywood Emergency Services

The Rattlesnake Fire in Haywood County was last reported to be 795 acres and 5 % contained.

County emergency officials warned residents that fire crews would be using a helicopter to assist with controlled burning in Crusos on Friday afternoon. These burns mean increased smoke and could bring flames in the area near Cruso Community Center.

“This is a controlled, intentional burn that will help protect homes and properties in Cruso,” Haywood County Emergency Services posted.

Lilly Knoepp

The 1,042 acre Alarka Fire in Swain County is 10% contained as on Friday morning. The N.C. Forest Service Southern Area Incident Management Team is now managing the fire and has set up a control center near Bryson City.

Christopher Derman, public information officer for the team, shared that a variety of factors triggered the Forest Service’s involvement with the fire including the current weather.

Lilly Knoepp

“Terrain is definitely a major factor and fighting the fire for accessibility reasons, getting to it, but also for safety reasons of the firefighters themselves,” Derman said.

The fire started on Tuesday due to a downed power line in Alarka.

The Alarka Fire is advancing toward Frye Mountain, Shepard’s Creek, and Conley’s Creek.

Two structures and one camper have been damaged.

“I'm not aware of structures that are in imminent danger of fire at this time,” Derman said.

N.C. Forest Service

Evacuations are still in effect for Long Creek, Alarka Highlands, and Unahala Creek.

Frye Mountain Road is currently closed to the tower due to an increase in wildfire activity in the area, according to the Eastern Band of Cherokee.

Emergency Management Coordinator Joshua Turner shared that the Alarka Fire
is approximately 2,000 feet from the boundary near Frye Tower, according to the Cherokee One Feather.

"Air operation crews are actively working to secure the line between the fire and the boundary. Resources are fully committed to protecting Tribal lands, infrastructure, and residences in the area," Turner said in a post.

Authorities have closed Frye Mountain Road to the tower, due to an increase in wildfire activity in the area, officials with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians said Friday afternoon.

Firefighters and sheriff's deputies went door-to-door in part of southern Transylvania County urging residents to heed evacuation orders first issued two days ago as the Table Rock Fire threatened to cross the state line.

“As far as I know, no structures are in danger at this point, but they have a lot of firefighters who are out doing structural protection on the homes of Dolly Masters,” Transylvania County Sheriff Chuck Owenby said late Friday afternoon.

“Right now, there’s firemen and deputy sheriffs going door to door again, reiterating to these folks: 'It's time to go.'”

Laura Hackett

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BPR News

Owenby estimated that there are several hundred firefighters in the area, most from North Carolina. There’s also at least one helicopter dumping water on the flames.

Higher winds may come later today, he said, which could worsen conditions.

“It’s changing every minute. That’s our biggest issue right now, it’s ever-changing,” he said. “It could be going east one minute and the next minute it’s going northwest, because it’s so unpredictable when you get in those valleys, the winds swirl and so you have no idea what it’s gonna be.”

Transylvania County has two other active fires nearby: the Rattlesnake Branch Fire in Pisgah National Forest, which is estimated at 700 acres, along with the Persimmon Ridge Fire, estimated at 2,000 acres.

The massive Table Rock Fire crossed state lines and air assets are now deployed to help suppress the blaze, Transylvania County officials said Friday late afternoon.

"Air assets are being deployed to support firefighting activities in the area of Dolly Masters, Glady Fork, Crane Lane and East Fork. Federal, state and regional/local mutual aid departments are supporting fire fighting activities for Connestee Fire Rescue and Cedar Mountain Fire Rescue Inc.," officials wrote on social media.

Photo credit: The South Carolina Forestry Commission

The Table Rock Fire has expanded past containment lines on state forest land.

Any residents who did not heed prior evacuation orders should leave immediately if in the following area:

• Between Dolly Masters Road and Big Hill subdivision

Transylvania County issued the update Friday at 2:30 p.m., urging those in the area that they "need to leave now" as fire crews go in to strengthen containment lines.

The evacuation for this area was first issued on Wednesday.

A four-acre fire in Garren Creek on Old Fort Road is 50% contained, according to Buncombe County officials.

As of 1:30 p.m. today, "all structures are protected, and no evacuations are required at this time," spokesperson Lillian Govus told BPR in an email.

Public health officials and school districts are adjusting their guidance and daily routines in response to elevated air quality concerns.

On Friday, both Transylvania and Henderson counties remained under Code Purple Air Quality Action Day alerts — the second-highest level on the EPA’s scale — indicating that air pollution levels are very unhealthy for everyone, not just sensitive groups.

“We use the language ‘Air Quality Action Day’ because we want to communicate to the public that this is an instance where you should be doing some specific action to mitigate your risks,” said Sean Taylor, public information officer with the N.C. Division of Air Quality. “That means avoiding outdoor activity or exertion for any long or intense period.”

Both Henderson and Transylvania County schools moved recess, physical education and academic activities indoors on March 28 due to smoke in the air.

Henderson County Public Schools posted an update Friday morning, noting that a decision on after-school athletics would come later in the day.

Transylvania County Schools spokesperson Tessa Brown said outdoor activities are suspended, except for students traveling to away games in counties where air quality is considered safe.

Health officials say smoky conditions can vary within counties based on wind direction and terrain, making it important for people to monitor not only official forecasts but also their surroundings.

“If it looks hazy or smells smoky, take precautions,” said Tara Ribka, public information officer with Transylvania Public Health. She added that people with asthma, COPD, heart conditions or who are pregnant should be especially careful.

Even indoor activity may need to be modified in areas with dense smoke.

“If you’re in the plume,” Ribka said, “limit physical activity indoors too because deeper breathing brings more particulate matter into the lungs.”

Elsewhere in the region, Buncombe, Swain and Polk counties remain under Code Red air quality alerts, which signal that the air is unhealthy, particularly for children, older adults and people with respiratory or heart conditions.

Macon, McDowell and Rutherford counties are currently under Code Orange alerts, meaning air quality is unhealthy for sensitive groups.

Air quality forecasts are typically updated daily around 3 p.m. More information, maps and guidance are available here.

Headwaters State Forest is closed due to wildfires, the N.C. Fire Service announced this morning.

The forest, located in southern Transylvania County, is closed to ensure public safety and to give firefighters access to respond to fires in the area, the release said.

NC Forest Service

One structure has been damaged from wildfires in Transylvania County and 11 people are staying in a local emergency shelter.

Transylvania County remains under a state of emergency due to three fires:

• Rattlesnake Branch Fire in Pisgah National Forest, which has burned 700 acres
• Persimmon Ridge in South Carolina at 2,000 acres
• Table Rock fire in South Carolina at 9,000 acres

Persimmon and Table Rock Fires are at risk of merging. The Persimmon fire has not yet crossed the state line.

Federal resources have come in to support multi-agency firefighting efforts, officials said, and a federal strike team has been working with the state forest service to backburn, put in breaker lines, and take other fire control measures.

The fire line is primarily limited to the state line currently, with a spot fire identified at Busted Rock. The fires are all burning within national and state forests, but the closest fire to a structure is about half a mile away.

“The evacuation boundary has not changed since initially announced on Wednesday,” said County Manager Jamie Laughter,

However, that may change. “Weather is not favorable,” Laughter said.

Fire conditions may change rapidly Friday afternoon, and Laughter asked the public to be alert for evacuation notices delivered via the county’s emergency alert system or a knock on the door. Residents need to register for the alert system. Meanwhile, residents should remove flammable objects like propane tanks, couches, and other flammable items away from homes, so that embers don’t ignite them.

Transylvania County Sheriff Chuck Owenby said that no additional road closures have been announced since yesterday evening.

Ongoing closures include:

• Blue Ridge Parkway between Asheville and Route 215
• East Fork Road from Glady Fork to Hwy 276
• Hwy 276 to the South Carolina state line
• Cascade Road from Hwy 276 to the intersection of Staton Road

The incident command center remains at Connestee Fire Department.

Much of Western North Carolina is in a moderate drought, according to an updated status report from the Department of Environmental Quality.

All burning permits are canceled statewide until further notice.

Statewide, 70 counties are experiencing moderate drought, while another 27 counties are “abnormally dry”, which is the milder of the two classifications.

Residents living in drought-impacted counties are advised to conserve water.

View the state NC Drought map here.

The Rattlesnake Fire near Cruso in Haywood County has grown to 795 acres as of Friday at 11 a.m. Officials said the fire is 5% contained.

The fire initially ignited on private land in Haywood County and has spread into both state- and federally managed public lands, including the Shining Rock Designated Wilderness Area on the Pisgah National Forest. These areas include hardwood forests impacted by Hurricane Helene, according to the Forest Service.

U.S. Forest Service

Haywood Sheriff's Office PIO Gina Zachary shared in an update that 289 acres of the burned area were part of a controlled burn to protect structures in the area.

"Firefighters are going to continue to set controlled burns in the area so you will see increased smoke," Zachary said and advised nearby residents to take precautions or stay indoors.

Shining Rock Wilderness Area is closed due to the spread of the Rattlesnake Branch Fire. This closure includes all National Forest System land between US-276 and NC-215 north of the Blue Ridge Parkway (between mile markers 405 and 420).

The Big Ridge Fire in North Georgia is less than 20 miles from the North Carolina state line and southern Macon County.

The fire started on March 22 and has spread to 1,936 acres. Much of the fire is in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest near Rabun Bald and is just eight miles from the Georgia town of Clayton in Rabun County.

U.S. Forest Service

The U.S. Forest Service shared on Wednesday that the strategic firing operations to secure Big Ridge Fire control lines from Rabun Bald to Saltrock Gap were successful and this line is in place and holding. At the same time, the fire crossed the initial control lines along Walnut Fork on the southwest side of the fire, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

There are no evacuation at this time but the following campgrounds and trails are closed:

• Sarah’s Creek Campground
• Sarah’s Creek Road (Forest Service Road 156)
• Tuckaluge Road (Forest Service Road 153)
• Bartram Trail from Warwoman Dell to Hale Ridge Road (Forest Service Road 7)

The U.S. Forest Service announced a campfire ban in Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest on Thursday, March 27.

South Carolina fire officials released a video this morning explaining the perimeter of the Table Rock Fire which has spread into parts of Transylvania County.

The path of the fire is similar to the fire that burned in the region in 2016, Operations Section Captain Derrick Moore said.

One of the main objectives today is to integrate firefighting operations between North Carolina and South Carolina officials, according to the video.

Two Cherokee County towns - Murphy and Andrews - have issued local states of emergency as a precautionary step.

“This is a precautionary step, not a response to any fire within town limits,” Mayor Tim Radford said in a press release. “This action is to stay ahead of the risk and ensure we’re ready to protect our residents and visitors if needed.”

Last year, Cherokee saw a month-long wildfire that burned over 5,000 acres near the town of Andrews. In 2023, the Collett Ridge Fire was caused by lightning and no structures were damaged.

The Town of Andrews issued a declaration on Thursday evening, according to the Cherokee Scout.

“Our goal is to stay ahead of potential threats and protect the lives, property, and well-being of our residents and visitors," Andrews Mayor James Reid said in a press release.

Two fires in South Carolina, the Table Rock Fire and the Persimmon Ridge Fire, threaten parts of Western North Carolina as they inch north.

The Table Rock Fire, which has crept into the southernmost part of Transylvania County, grew signficantly today, according to an update from the South Carolina Forestry Commission.

Most of the growth occured on the North and Western sides of the fire which reached 8,679 acres in total.

The Persimmon Ridge Fire saw only modest expansion to 1,992 acres. On Friday, "firefighters hope to complete burnouts of existing unburned areas and focus on improving and holding existing firebreaks."

Both fires are 0% contained, the update said. Smoke from the fires contributed to very poor air quality in the area.

South Carolina Forestry Commission

Weather conditions were milder today which allowed firefighters to "strengthen firebreaks along key expanses of both fires," the update said.

Friday's weather forecast raises concerns "for increased fire activity, as relative humidity is expected to fall to 23%, and wind gusts could reach nearly 30 mph."

South Carolina fire officials are using aerial mechanisms to battle the blazes, including one very large air tanker (VLAT). The move was the first VLAT drop in the state's history, according to the post.

At a town hall meeting tonight, Mitchell County officials, Forest Service representatives, FEMA agents, and other local leaders answered the public’s questions and discussed both long-term Helene recovery and fire suppression.

Forest Service representatives at the meeting, held at the Rowan Middle School in Bakersville,said Helene blowdowns present an urgent fire risk. Nearly half of the county’s trees were toppled by the storm, and most remain scattered around the rugged county’s mountaintops and valleys.

Forest Service officials explained that they look to reduce fuel like downed trees and that expedited timber salvage sales are helping them haul wood out of the area. “Something else we’ve been looking at is fire breaks,” said Jen Barnart, a Forest Service spokesperson. They’re working with the state fire service coordinate firefighting on state and federal land.

“We’re your neighbors and we’ll be there,” Barnhart said.

Landowners in Yancey and Mitchell counties who want to learn more about fire mitigation were invited to an EcoForesters event on Saturday, April 12 from 10 to 1 at 6 South Main Street in Burnsville.

The Southern Blue Ridge Prescribed Burn Association is also available to help fight fires on private land.

Mitchell County currently has an active burn ban ordinance which prohibits anyone from starting a fire outdoors during periods of hazardous wildfires and poor air quality, on penalty of $500 per violation.

Five fires have burned in Mitchell County this month, but they are all contained, Chris Westveer, the chief of Spruce Pine’s volunteer fire department, said. The latest one was 100% contained as of March 26. However, Westveer said, the county is still “on edge.”

Spruce Pine’s water and sewer systems had to be replaced after Helene, and the town is still running on a temporary setup which alters the firefighting capacities. Local volunteer firefighters sometimes draw river water in order to fight overwhelming blazes in order not to overwhelm the system, Westveer said. The process is more likely now that some areas have temporary water systems with lower overall capacity.

“All of our fire departments are realizing we can’t overtax the systems,” he said. “We’ll adapt and use other measures as well.”

Officials also identified an issue with staffing. “We’re shorthanded,” Westveer said. Mitchell County fire departments are all-volunteer. Many firefighters in other counties are occupied with their own blazes.

Westveer said that the county, and others like them, are handling staffing issues through relying on help from other counties and also programs like the BRIDGE program out of the Department of Adult Corrections. This job training program employs prisoners in the state who are between the ages of 18 and 32 to fight fires and clean debris, and, he said, reduces the county’s labor costs. Prisoners working for the BRIDGE program have been deployed repeatedly in Mitchell County and all over the state, he said.

A small waste stream fire of 75 by 50 feet occurred at the Buncombe County Landfill this evening, according to a statement from county officials.

Local fire officials and Buncombe County Solid Waste staff contained and suppressed the fire, the statement said.

"There is no threat to the landfill or surrounding area as a result of this incident," according to the county.

Laura Hackett

As the smoke from the Black Cove and Deep Woods wildfires blanketed Polk and Henderson counties, more than 100 frazzled residents gathered at a town hall in Saluda this evening to hear from local leaders and emergency officials on what to expect in the coming days.

One message was clear: while firefighters are making some progress on containing the flames, residents should do what they can to prepare their homes and other structures in case the fire creeps towards them.

As of this afternoon, the Black Cove Fire totals 3,288 acres and is 17% contained, while the nearby Deep Woods Fire is 3,373 acres and is 30% contained.

A priority for firefighters is to tighten up protection around Macedonia Road, Summer Haven Lane, and the section between Green River Cove and Scout Camp, according to Saluda Police Chief Robert Dellinger.

An extended period of dry weather, cold fronts and wind – combined with the rugged terrain of the Green River Gorge – have made the fire a challenge for the more than 400 firefighters. And the downed trees and damaged roads lingering from Hurricane Helene have further exacerbated those issues.

Officials group evacuation notices into three stages by color. Green means that folks should check in frequently for updates from officials and clean up debris around their homes. Yellow means residents should pack their bags and be prepared to leave if necessary. Red means to evacuate immediately.

Laura Hackett

“If we show up at your house, asking you guys to leave, we recommend you leave. Have your stuff ready,” Dellinger said.

The county is responsible for evacuation messages and will distribute them through a wireless emergency alert system.

Hattie Lovelace, an official with Polk County, also urged residents who have livestock and are located in any level of evacuation zone to make plans for their animals as soon as possible.

The Foothills Equestrian Center and WNC Ag Center are both offering space for animals, so long as owners are able to provide care for the animals, Lovelace said.

She recommended that if animals behave nervously during evacuation, owners should tranquilize them to make transportation move more smoothly.

Several residents expressed concern about the Black Cove Fire jumping over Interstate 26 near the Peter Guice Memorial Bridge and into downtown Saluda. They asked about alternate evacuation routes, should that occur.

U.S. 176 was recommended as an alternative, should that be the case.

Officials did not confirm or deny whether that the jump was likely to happen. Dellinger told BPR that people should be paying attention and ready to respond, but that there was “no immediate concern” over that happening.

“They’re working on that, they’re making good progress,” he said.

Residents who attended the town hall said they were happy with the event and appreciated local officials’ efforts to answer their questions.

“I love information; I feel like we’re all really hungry for information,” Saluda resident Taylor Kuyk-White, who was handing out tinctures and teas for respiratory health to neighbors after the meeting, said to BPR. “The county has gotten the memo that folks were feeling under informed and that was increasing the level of panic. And I think that they responded and made some changes and just really opened the doors of communication a lot more.”

Voluntary evacuations were called off just hours after being issued as crews were able to control the Freedom Farm Fire in Leicester late Thursday.

Officials say the blaze was at 60% containment and the NC Forest Service said local fire departments have been relieved from the area but a crew would say on scene.

Homes and structures in the area are now considered safe, officials said. At max, the fire burned 130 acres in Buncombe County.

The Kitchens Branch Fire perimeter is secure, Jackson County Emergency Management shared late Thursday.

The fire spread to 94 acres over the last couple of days.

There may still be some smoke visible in the area but it poses no threat to the fire lines, officials said.

Firefighters will check the line around the fire tomorrow and continue to monitor the area. Some firefighters and air support have been released, officials said.

Transylvania County officials will hold a briefing to address the status of the wildfires tomorrow at 11 a.m.

Officials will provide the latest information on three fires that pose a threat to the county as of Thursday night:

• The Rattlesnake Branch Fire burning in the Pisgah National Forest fire, estimated at 623 acres
• The Persimmon Ridge Fire from South Carolina, estimated at 1,353 acres
• The Table Rock Fire, which started in South Carolina, has already burned an estimated 4,556 acres

The briefing will be held at the Transylvania County Public Safety Facility.

The Alarka Fire is now 911 acres in size and 5% contained, according to an update from Swain County Emergency Management.

The N.C. Forest Service Southern Area Incident Management Gray Team is mobilizing and will take over the incident on Friday morning.

Since the fire started on March 25, an estimated 20 homes have been evacuated.

"The safety of our residents, responders, and communities is our top priority," Swain County Emergency Management Director Misty Tabor said in a press release. "We are closely monitoring conditions and continuing operations to contain the fire as quickly and safely as possible."

Two structures and one camper have been damaged by the blaze.

The Alarka Fire is advancing toward Frye Mountain, Shepard’s Creek, and Conley’s Creek.

Evacuations are currently in effect for the following areas:
Long Creek
Alarka Highlands
Unahala Creek

Containment of the two largest of the three Black Cove fires continues to challenge firefighters, according to the North Carolina Forest Service.

The total Black Cove Fire is 3,288 acres in size and 17% contained. The fire is burning about 2 miles northeast of Saluda in the Green River Gorge, according to a recent release.

A statement from the Fire Service described the fire as "intense, with rapid-fire spread and extreme burning conditions."

Firefighters are prioritizing the southwest portion of Black Cove "to secure fire perimeter and protect homes within the Skyland Acres area."

Operations are working to remove unburned fuels between containment lines and the fire.

The Deep Woods Fire is 3,373 acres in size and 30% contained, the statement said.

"Firefighters are holding the fire north of Holbert Cove Road. Additional resources are being utilized on the southern portion of Deep Woods using firings operations to prevent western growth of the fire," the statement said. There is limited growth in other area of the fire.

The smallest Black Cove Fire, the Fish Hook Fire, is 95% contained. The 199 acre fire burned northwest of Mill Spring on private land near Lake Adger.

Firefighters will remain on scene until the fire no longer poses a threat, the statement said.

To check wildfire activity across the state, use the North Carolina Wildfire Public Viewer at https://ncfspublic.firesponse.com/.

Felicia Sonmez

During an event in Fairview Thursday afternoon to honor the lives of the 106 people killed by Hurricane Helene, Governor Josh Stein praised the work of the N.C. Forest Service in fighting the wildfires.

"I just came from the headquarters. ... [The] North Carolina Forest Service has taken the lead, but they're drawing on their federal partners, and they're mobilizing the local resources, and it's quite inspiring," Stein said in response to a question from BPR. "They're attacking the fires at every opportunity, working hard to try to contain them so that they don't spread."

Stein added that the state of emergency he declared Wednesday night "enables us to draw fire resources from other states and have that reimbursed."

"FEMA has been a good partner in fighting these fires and have already assured us of some reimbursement. So, we are grateful to them," he said.

So far, 11 properties have been damaged by the fire. Stein said he is hopeful there will be "not a single more."

There are no known casualties to date.

"One firefighter needed to be extracted in an emergency, but within an hour was in a hospital, and all indications are he will recover," Stein said.

While 500 staff work to contain the fires of the Black Cove Complex in Polk County, "there is no matching the effectiveness of a soaking rain."

In a statement this afternoon, the N.C. Forest Service said dry conditions continue to fuel fire progression in the complex.

Relative humidity remains low and precipitation in the last month fell well below average for most of the region, the statement said.

"Rain chances increase early next week ahead of a cold front that will approach the region Sunday before crossing the area through Monday," according to the statement.

The complex, comprised of three fires, is the top priority fire in the country which means the incident management team receives priority for resources.

Aerial resources have been used by the service throughout the region, including four helicopters and two single engine air tankers (SEATs).

In addition, two Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopters were deployed by the U.S. Forest Service. The choppers are used primarily to carry 2,300 to 2,500 gallons of water to fight fires in rugged terrain

Firefighters have also deployed a K-MAX helicopter which carries 420 gallons of water and state Forest Service helicopters which carry 200 to 300 gallons.

Mitchell County has declared a State of Emergency. The county says there is an “imminent threat” of severe damage, injury and property loss from the current wildfire.

Earlier this week, a fire broke out in the Cub Creek area but it was contained on Wednesday.

Transylvania and Henderson counties are under the highest-level (worst) air quality alert, with surrounding counties also seeing unhealthy conditions. Alerts issued Thursday are in effect all day Friday, March 28, but could be modified or extended.

There are now at least seven areas of wildfire smoke impacting Western North Carolina’s air quality, according to the state’s Department of Environmental Quality.

In response, DEQ on Thursday issued updated air quality alerts for several counties in the region.

Transylvania and Henderson counties are under Code Purple alerts starting at midnight Thursday. Transylvania's Code Purple status was in place before Henderson's.

Code Purple is the second-highest level on the EPA’s air quality scale and signals a health alert — meaning the risk of health effects is increased for everyone, regardless of age or health status. Health officials recommend avoiding all outdoor activity in affected areas.

Air quality in Buncombe, Swain and Polk counties

Buncombe, Swain, and Polk counties are now under Code Red alerts, indicating air that is unhealthy for the general public. People with heart or lung conditions, children, and older adults are at higher risk. In these counties, outdoor activity should be limited, especially anything strenuous.

DEQ meteorologists are monitoring shifting wind patterns and wildfire activity in both North and South Carolina, which continues to affect air quality throughout the region. Find the full discussion

Editor's Note: This post was updated to reflect that air quality alerts issued Thursday are in effect for the region at least through Friday, March 27.

Increased winds have necessitated a voluntary evacuation northwest of Asheville, in the Hayes Cove Road area of Leicester, officials said Thursday afternoon.

A wildfire is estimated to be burning between 100 and 120 acres and back-burning is in progress.

Low humidity in the afternoon could elevate evacuation orders to become mandatory, officials warned.

As of 1:30 p.m., no homes were in immediate danger but weather conditions could change rapidly, Buncombe County leaders said.

Lilly Knoepp

While the Kitchen Branch fire is moving towards containment, smoke lingers. Pointing to the smoke, Jackson County Fire Marshall Michael Forbis said the smoke is a burnout operation.

“Right now, the fire is looking good as far as containment. We've got a lot of resources on it,” Forbis said around 1:30 p.m. He explained there is a “small pocket of unburned fuel,” so the team is getting rid of that fuel “between the fire line and the cold part of the fire.”

Low temperatures and increased humidity overnight helped to contain the fire. Today helicopters have been dropping water on the fire.

Courtesy of Sylva Fire Department

“What we say is, 'Wash it off the mountain,' and we're putting as much effort as we can on the hotspots, the head of the fire, he said. "[We are]just trying to put out as many potential problems that we may have and trying to make it as safe as possible."

Earlier today, Jackson EMS shared that the fire is 80 acres and 60% contained. One structure near the origin of the fire needed to be protected throughout yesterday afternoon. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Forbis said the neighborhood near the fire is “very small.”

Lilly Knoepp

While this is good news, there are still fires burning throughout the region. Forbis said it is concerning when resources are needed across the region.

“Basically everybody at this time is really, really taxed. Resources are stretched thin because we've sent resources over to adjoining counties. We've requested resources to come here," Forbis said. While fighting the fire yesterday, two more alerts came in.

“Luckily, they were both false alarms.”

Forbis said the fire could be considered contained by this evening.

Transylvania County remains in a state of emergency from the threat of three fires:

1. The Rattlesnake Branch Fire burning in the Pisgah National Forest fire, estimated at 623 acres
2. The Persimmon Ridge Fire from South Carolina, estimated at 1,353 acres
3. The Table Rock Fire, which started in South Carolina, has already burned an estimated 4,556 acres

Transylvania County officials reported 758 evacuations so far as of Thursday. At a midday briefing, fire officials said they are concerned about the Persimmon Ridge Fire and the Table Rock Fire merging.

"Weather conditions this afternoon are expected to pose challenges for fire control in the southern section of Transylvania County at the state line," the statement said.

The wind is not working in our favor, Conastee Fire Chief Chase Owen told BPR.

Katie Myers

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BPR News

More than 138 support personnel from North Carolina have worked to address the fires.

Transylvania County Sheriff Chuck Owenby said staffing is an ongoing challenge. Because there are so many blazes in the region, the county is relying on some out-of-state resources for assistance.

Fannin County, Ga., is sending additional resources, the statement said.

Transylvania County Cooperative Extension is coordinating with the agriculture community regarding livestock.

A curfew implemented last night may again be used tonight to make sure response crews can continue operations without interference, according to a statement from the county.

Katie Myers

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BPR News

The Shining Rock Designated Wilderness Area in the Pisgah National Forest is closed due to the ongoing Rattlesnake Branch Fire.

The United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service closed the area and evacuated all visitors Wednesday night.

All National Forest land between US-276 and NC-215 north of the Blue Ridge Parkway (mile markers 405 to 420) is closed.

The Rattlesnake Branch Fire is burning in approximately 400 to 500 acres, according to the Forest Service. It remains 0% contained.

National Forests in North Carolina have seen 90 confirmed fires this year, officials said Thursday.

In addition to the statewide burn ban, the Forest Service issued a restriction on open burning on National Forest land. The measure prohibits building, maintaining or using campfires, open stove fires and fire rings.

Swain County has declared a State of Emergency as the Alarka Fire remains active and uncontained.

The wildfire has been burning for two days, according to Swain Emergency Management. Evacuations are currently in effect for Long Creek, Alarka Highlands, and Unahala Creek.

So far the fire has burned 911 acres and is advancing toward Frye Mountain, Shephard’s Creek and Conley’s Creek. The fire has already damaged two structures.

“We are grateful for the collaborative efforts of all agencies working together to protect our community,” Swain County Emergency Management said in a Facebook post on Thursday.

Crews and personnel from USFS, USFS/BIA, Cherokee Fire and Rescue, Swain County EM, Alarka Fire Department, West Swain Fire Department, Bryson City Fire Department, Qualla Fire Department, Jackson County EM and other local, state, and federal partners are actively responding to the Alarka Fire, according to Swain EMS.

Haywood County declared a State of Emergency beginning at 8 p.m. Wednesday evening.

The measure, declared by the Kevin Ensley, chair of the Board of Commissioners, was prompted in part by the burning of private and federal properties in the Rattlesnake Branch Fire.

The fire has consumed about 200 acres in the Cruso community.

The Freedom Farm Fire in Leicester has consumed 120 acres, according to an update from the North Carolina Forest Service. The fire is presently 20% contained.

Firefighters are using helicopters and other aerial equipment to battle the blaze, according to Leicester Fire Department Deputy Fire Chief Roger Banks.

Katie Myers/BPR

Banks said he does not expect the fire to spread today due to increased humidity in the area.

There are currently no evacuation orders related to this fire.

Smoke from wildfires burning in and around Western North Carolina is pushing air quality into dangerous territory today.

Transylvania County is under a Code Purple Air Quality Action Day, according to the latest map issued by the North Carolina Division of Environmental Quality.

Code Purple alerts signal extremely unhealthy air, posing health risks to everyone. Health officials strongly discourage long or intense outdoor activity.

Several counties are under Code Red air quality alerts — the level just below Code Purple — including Henderson, Polk, and Swain.

A Code Red alert means the air is unhealthy and may affect everyone, especially those with respiratory conditions.

Rutherford County is under a Code Orange alert, meaning the air is unhealthy for sensitive groups.

Other parts of Western North Carolina — including Buncombe, Graham, Jackson, Macon, and Haywood counties — are under Code Yellow alerts, indicating moderate air quality that may affect some individuals.

The AQI was developed by the EPA in 1999 to help the public understand how clean or polluted the air is on a given day. When the AQI exceeds 50, alerts are issued, with escalating concern as levels rise. Find out more here.

Lilly Knoepp

On Day Two of the Kitchen Branch Fire, the wildfire has been 60% contained in Jackson County.

Jackson County Fire Marshall Michael Forbis explained at about 11 a.m. that the fire is about 80 acres. More information is expected about the fire's progress soon.

The Sylva Fire Department told the Sylva Herald earlier in the day that the fire had spread between 80- 85 acres and that the fire was first called in at 4:15 p.m. on Wednesday.

The air in Sylva was less smoky on Thursday morning than on Day One.

On Wednesday night, the fire near the Alarka Community in Swain County could be seen from Harris.

A bright orange fire line of the Kitchen Branch Fire could be seen directly behind the Harris Regional Hospital late Wednesday.

Lilly Knoepp

At about 1 a.m. on Thursday morning, Sylva Fire Department shared that its crews had cleared the scene for the night but that the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and N.C. Forest Service monitored the fire throughout the night.

As the Table Rock fire in South Carolina creeps closer to the state line in Transylvania County, officials evacuated more than 700 homes and closed some services.

The mandatory evacuations are in southern parts of the county including: "the south side of East Fork Rd from Glady Fork Rd intersection to the intersection of East Fork Rd and Greenville Hwy. And then turning right (south) on Greenville Hwy (Hwy 276S) and covering the area on the west side of Greenville Hwy all the way to South Carolina."

Transylvania County

The county's parks and recreation and health department clinic are closed to support shelter operations, according to the county. The animal shelter is also closed, according to a county post.

Environmental health, community health, WIC services and animal control remain open.

Emergency management officials will present the latest on wildfires at a Town of Saluda meeting tonight at 6 p.m.

Incident Management Team staff from the North Carolina Forest Service will provide the latest information on three fires that have swept the area: the Black Cove Fire, the Deep Woods Fire and the Fish Hook Fire. Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss plans and ask questions of local and state fire officials.

The event will be held at The Party Place & Event Center located at 221 Friendship Church Road. BPR plans to livestream the event.

Governor Josh Stein declared a state of emergency for 34 counties in North Carolina that are at a high risk for wildfires.

His announcement comes as multiple counties, including Haywood, Henderson, Buncombe, Madison, Jackson, Swain and Transylvania fight to contain wildfires amid high winds and dry weather. Debris from Hurricane Helene has made the region especially vulnerable to fires.

"The wildfires in western North Carolina continue to grow, so I have expanded our State of Emergency,” Stein said in a press release. “Our State Emergency Response Team is responding with every tool at its disposal. Please stay safe and stay alert for any evacuation orders if the fires spread to an area near you.”

The state has been responding to fires since late last week, according to the press release.

“North Carolina Emergency Management has deployed communications resources, tactical emergency telecommunicators, and incident management personnel to the scene. The North Carolina Forest Service is assisting with incident management and firefighting efforts and the North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal has deployed fire department from across the state to western North Carolina to assist,” the statement said.

The Rattlesnake Branch Fire remains at ~200 acres, according to Haywood County Emergency Management.

About 40 firefighters are battling the blaze.

Winds are under 10 mph from the west with 30 percent humidity, Emergency Management said in a statement.

Officials will continue to monitor the situation overnight. There are no evacuation orders in effect for Haywood County.

Gerard Albert III

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BPR News

The Black Cove and Deep Woods Fires have been partially contained, according to the North Carolina Forest Service.

Those fires, in addition to the Fish Hook Fire, have burned 6,482 acres. The current acreage and containment levels of each are:

Black Cove: 3,052 acres and 17% contained.
Deep Woods: 3,231 acres and 11% contained.
Fish Hook: 199 acres and 86% contained.

The numbers were welcomed news to the more than 300 firefighters working to extinguish the blazes that started last week.

High winds continued today, making the fire even more challenging to fight in addition to steep terrain, dry conditions and debris from Hurricane Helene.

"We're in a critical moment of the fire today," Bo Dossett, a public information officer with the Forest Service, said. " These are high temperatures, low relative humidity and high winds. The kind of weather factors that we see when we see large fire growth and rapid fire spread, really intense fire behavior."

So far, the fires have forced roughly 300 evacuations in Henderson and Polk counties and destroyed 11 structures in Polk County.

On Facebook, one of North Carolina's top meteorologists - WCNC's Brad Panovich - noted on Wednesday some parts of Western N.C. are more vulnerable than others in the spreading fires.

"Obviously, lots of downed trees and limbs make for wildfire fuel that is always going to be dry since it won't be growing again even when we aren't in a drought," Panovich said in the post. "It also poses a massive problem for firefighters as roads and old fire breaks get blocked by trees and debris."

The U.S. Forest Service published a report earlier this month indicating areas of concern for this year's wildfires in its Hurricane Helene Rapid Wildfire Risk Assessment. Included in that report was a map, which Panovich overlaid with arrows pointing to the strongest fires currently burning, in Transylvania, Polk, and Rutherford counties.

Other risk areas include Buncombe County surrounding Asheville, and areas north in Mitchell and Madison counties.

U.S. Forest Service/Brad Panovich

Officials in Rutherfordton report a local fire is now 100% contained. The fire burned five acres.

The fire began at South Winds Drive/Davenport Road.

High winds contributed to the blaze, but fire crews were able to contain it and all residents who were evacuated can now return home.

Firefighters will remain at the site of the fire throughout the night to ensure the fire is not spreading.

To receive emergency text alerts, text ALERTRC to 888777.

Lilly Knoepp

Jackson County Emergency Management issued a Code Red message area to residents about a brush fire on Kitchen Branch Road.

Fire department and emergency vehicles could be seen heading to the blaze around 5 p.m., off of Skyland Road and Monteith Branch Road.

The county has not issued any evacuation orders at this time but told residents to stay vigilant.

The emergency shelter that was located at the Alarka Community Center is now moved to Victory Baptist Church.

The Alarka wildfire in Swain County is now burning over 1,000 acres and remains 0% contained.

One structure and one camper have been damaged, according to officials.

Officials in Transylvania County on Wednesday afternoon issued a curfew for the following areas:

• South of Hwy 276 to the North Carolina-South Carolina state line
• South of Staton
• Gravel section Cascade Lake Road

The curfew is in effect from 8 p.m. until 8 a.m.

Residents are encouraged to sign up for alerts here. Be sure to include your home addresses so that you can receive a direct notice if your home needs to be evacuated.

Officials have closed about 15 miles on the Blue Ridge Parkway as firefighters battle an active wildfire.

Late Wednesday afternoon, Parkway leaders said they've closed public access from milepost 405.5 through milepost 420.2 in order to contain an active wildfire. This is in the Pisgah National Forest between Shut-in Trail and just before Fetterbush Overlook, near Mount Pisgah, the Cradle of Forestry and Looking Glass Rock.

The Blue Ridge Parkway requested people stay out of this area.

In coordination with state Forest Service, Transylvania County Emergency Services issued an immediate mandatory evacuation for some residents.

Evacuations are called for:

• The south side of East Fork Road, from Glady Fork Road to the intersection of East Fork Road and Greenville Hwy and then turning right (south) on Greenville Hwy (Hwy 276S)
• The area on the west side of Greenville Hwy to the South Carolina state line

Transylvania County Emergency Services

The Swain County fire in the Alarka community has expanded toward the Eastern Band of Cherokee's tribal land.

The fire's trajectory prompted EBCI Emergency Management to issue a Code Red on Wednesday afternoon in the 3200-acre area of Whittier on the Qualla Boundary.

EBCI Emergency Management Coordinator Josh Turner says that the fire hasn't reached tribal land yet but that community members should be vigilant.

"Anything could spark up at any time, I think we as a community just need to be prepared about how to act and how to move forward if something were to happen within our own community," Turner said.

No evacuation orders for the Qualla Boundary have been issued as of 4 p.m. Wednesday.

Turner said that the fire grew on Tuesday night and that conditions worsened today.

"We were told overnight there was a lot of aggressive growth with that fire and obviously throughout the day as conditions worsen and the winds pick up a little bit," Turner said. "As of right now, there is a very low possibility that the winds are forecasting to shift in other directions and then come in directly across the mountain and affect our lands."

Turner said that the fire is near Fry Mountain, which is home to a number of radio towers, cell towers as well as the state's VIPER Interoperable communications system.

"That was a big concern in some of our meetings that we've had," Turner said. "Not just our own concern, but also Swain County, Jackson County, the state, Highway Patrol. There are some antennas there that would affect over-the-air media such as radio, news outlets, media outlets that also have antennas up there."

Turner said that the additional debris caused by Hurricane Helene is also a concern in far western NC.

Residents in Polk County at the following addresses should evacuate immediately:

• 2456 - 6159 Holbert Cove Road
• Who Drive
• Echo Lane
• Glen Echo Circle
• Scout Camp Road

If you are unable to evacuate, officials instructed that you call 911.

Rutherford County officials issued an immediate evacuation notice for the following areas:

South Winds Drive, Davenport Road

An emergency shelter has been established at First Presbyterian Church located at 252 N. Washington Street, Rutherfordton.

Hawyood County put out an alert today advising residents of a fire on Cruso Road in Canton.

In the advisory, posted to Facebook, officials asked residents to avoid the area near the 13000 block of that road, near the fire station. The fire was 3 acres wide as of around 3:00 PM today.

Crews from Cruso Fire & Rescue, the U.S. Forest Service, and the N.C. Forest Service are responding.

Haywood County is under a Red Flag warning.

There are no evacuations and no structures threatened at this time.

This afternoon, Buncombe County officials warned residents of a small fire in the area.

"Currently, there is a 2 acre wildfire in the Dix Creek / Leicester area of Buncombe County," the statement said. "Crews are on scene and the public is asked to avoid the area."

Because of dry conditions and high winds, residents are asked to remain vigilant in fire prevention. A statewide burn ban remains in effect. At a community briefing, Buncombe County Fire Marshal Kevin Tipton said no warning tickets would be issued for a violation of the ban.

For emergency alerts in Buncombe County, text BCAlert to 99411.

According to the National Interagency Fire Center, the Black Cove Complex is the highest-priority fire in the Southern U.S.

Currently, 303 personnel from North Carolina and other states are attempting to control the wildfire in Polk County.

On Wednesday, the National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for the mountains of Polk and Henderson counties, indicating the potential for severe fire behavior and the possibility of rapid fire spread.

Firefighters continue preparing firebreaks and protecting structures in anticipation of elevated temperatures, high winds and low humidity Monday afternoon.

Swain County

A fire burning in Alarka neighborhood, just south of Bryson City, is at 1,000 acres and 0% contained, Swain County Emergency Management posted on its Facebook page around midnight Tuesday. The following areas are urged to evacuate:
- Long Creek Lane
- Unahala Creek
- Alarka Highlands

A shelter has been set up at the Alarka Community Center for those evacuated.

Gerard Albert III/BPR

Henderson County

On Wednesday, Henderson County officials issued a state of emergency. It’s unclear if the order has a retroactive effect but government leaders said Wednesday the emergency declaration was effective starting on March 24, at 5 p.m.

In a statement posted to the county’s Facebook page, officials said the emergency declaration was to make sure necessary resources are in place to respond to the wildfires, which started in Polk County.

“Wildfires in various sections of the county have the potential to threaten life and property. Emergency personnel are prepared to take action to evacuate county residents if necessary and support all efforts toward fire suppression,” leaders said in the announcement.

A burn ban remains in effect in Henderson County.

Transylvania County

Transylvania County Emergency Management issued mandatory evacuations for the residents in the following areas of the Big Hill Community.

• Dolly Masters Road
• Glady Fork Rd
• Lake Honda
• Happy Acres Communities

The Connestee Fire Department is going door to door in those areas to notify residents.

All who are evacuating can report to Cars Hill Church. That will be a temporary location while Transylvania County is working on opening an emergency shelter.

We will be updating evacuation orders as possible for any other affected area.

Henderson County

Henderson County Emergency Management officials issued mandatory evacuation orders for residents in the following areas of the Summer Haven community:

• Macedonia Road east of Interstate 26
• Skyland Acres Road
• Knight Road
• Summer Haven Lane
• South Fine Way

NC Forest Service officials held a community meeting to discuss the wildfires.

At the meeting, fire officials said progress has been made on the two largest fires—Black Cove and Deep Woods— even though both are still categorized as 0% contained.

NC Fire Service Official Shane Hardee explained how containment works: firefighters will not declare a line contained unless they are confident that it will hold if they walked away.

He told about 300 community members gathered at Biltmore Church that the southern part of the fires is the most volatile area at the moment.

"Those are the areas that will cause us some challenges tomorrow," he said, pointing to the southeastern parts of the large map displayed at the meeting.

He said he anticipates the winds relenting on Thursday and Friday, but he cautioned that the staff meteorologist does not expect much rain. However, the expected humidity increase should give a better opportunity to battle the fires.

Because the winds are moving from the South, it is unlikely that it will cross I-26, Hardee said, but steep, rugged terrain in the gorge could allow the fire to move under I-26.

Infrared maps created with data collected by aircraft are being used to track the movement of the fires at night, he said.

A Flat Rock resident shared that his home was lost to the fire, but he expressed gratitude to the firefighters for saving his neighbors' homes.

"Hope was the name of the cabin, and hope is a good thing, and no good thing ever dies," he said.

Evacuation process

Fire officials explained the evacuation stages.

People at level 1 (green) should begin making preparations to leave. At level 2 (yellow), there is a high probability of evacuation. In a level 3 (red), residents will be instructed to leave in a specific timeframe and routes will be identified.

Hardee warned that text alerts should be the primary form of communication about an evacuation, and residents should trust those immediate messages over the map which is refreshed less frequently. Firefighters will also go door-to-door to evacuate residents.

Henderson County has opened a shelter at the Parks & Recreation Athletics and Activity Center located at 708 South Grove Street, and the facility shelter permits pets.

Hardy also said the departments greatly appreciates the prior donations, but they do not need any additional contributions.

"I know how giving the people of the mountains of North Carolina are," he said.

A federal grant through FEMA is covering the cost now, he said.

The meeting also provided officials with an opportunity to dispel some rumors about the fires.

Hardee said backburning to hold a line by the Forest Service did not cause a fire that consumed several homes.

A firefighter walked a trail near Pullman Creek and discovered that the fire had crossed the creek near Green River.

The fire was "well over a mile" from where the firefighters were using controlled burns, Hardee said. It was also not near where the Fire Service did any burning on Saturday.

They did set a fire off Big Hungry Road strategically to protect the remaining homes.

"It is very easy to assume different things that you don't understand," he said. "If we had messed up, I would be the first to tell you that we messed up, but we didn't."

One resident said their power was turned off, effectively shutting off their water because it is well that relies on electricity.

Hardee said the Fire Service did not shut the power off. Hardee said fire officials directed Duke Energy to hold off on work on the road to preserve ingress and egress. The Service does close down roads if the fires require it, he said.

For earlier coverage of the wildfires, please read this BPR story.