National Forest in North Carolina Fire Updates
NORTH CAROLINA (WWAY) — Fire crews and aircraft responded to seven new wildfires across the National Forests in North Carolina on Friday, burning a combined 17 acres, according to officials. Firefighters were able to quickly contain six of those fires, keeping them between a tenth of an acre and 1.5 acres in size.
Officials say dry conditions continue to drive a high fire danger across the state.
The largest of the new fires, the Jack Branch Fire, remains active in western North Carolina.
The Looking Glass Fire in the Pisgah Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest has reached full containment, officials said.
The fire, located about four miles northwest of Pisgah Forest, was first reported April 7 and was caused by a downed powerline. It burned 30 acres and was staffed by about 30 personnel.
Crews will continue monitoring the interior of the fire area for lingering heat, but officials said this will be the final update unless conditions change.
Roads and trails in the area have reopened, including Fish Hatchery Road, Headwaters Road and Looking Glass Trail. Officials are urging visitors to use caution, as firefighters and law enforcement may still be present.
The Jack Branch Fire, located about three miles north of Hot Springs in the Appalachian Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest, has burned 15 acres and is now 70% contained.
The fire was reported April 10 in the Cowbell Mountain area near the Tennessee state line. Officials said the fire was smoldering at higher elevations when crews arrived.
Two Chinook helicopters conducted aerial water drops while firefighters on the ground worked to build containment lines around the fire.
Crews are continuing efforts Saturday to extinguish remaining hotspots and prevent the fire from spreading further. Aircraft remain available if additional water drops are needed.
Officials continue to warn that dry conditions across North Carolina are increasing wildfire risk and are urging the public to use caution to help prevent new fires.
