Some evacuations canceled, NC wildfires still major threat

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (AP) – Forestry officials in North Carolina say evacuation notices for the town of Lake Lure and surrounding neighborhoods have been canceled as the threat from the Party Rock fire has diminished.

A statement released Monday said a state of emergency remains in effect for the town of Lake Lure. Fire and town officials caution residents that the recently burned areas contain many hazards, including damaged and standing dead trees called “snags,” that can fall without warning at any time.

As of Monday, the Party Rock fire was 45 percent contained.

Officials say falling leaves are hitting smoldering areas and reigniting the Chestnut Knob fire in Burke County. Water-scooping planes and helicopters have been called in to drop water on the Pinnacle Mountain fire, which spans both North Carolina and South Carolina.

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