/live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc More than 6,000 acres were ablaze in western North Carolina. Follow here for live updates en-US Copyright Thu, 03 Apr 2025 15:32:45 GMT /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#black-cove-fire-largely-contained-transferred-to-local-authorities After days of wet weather and cool conditions significantly dampened the Black Cove fire complex, the state’s forest service has transitioned the response… Thu, 03 Apr 2025 15:32:45 GMT 00000195-fc48-d6a6-a5dd-fc7886880000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#rattlesnake-branch-fire-26-contained-heres-what-containment-means 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… Thu, 03 Apr 2025 15:31:32 GMT 00000195-fc47-d6a6-a5dd-fc7f69a80000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#table-rock-fire-containment-numbers-rise Officials in Transylvania County and Pickens, SC saw a "significant jump" Tuesday in containment on the Table Rock Fire Complex. Firefighters now say… Wed, 02 Apr 2025 22:31:39 GMT 00000195-f8a1-d1e1-a9df-f8bbabdd0000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#rattlesnake-branch-fire-remains-24-contained 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… Wed, 02 Apr 2025 18:33:38 GMT 00000195-f7c7-dd57-afff-ffefcf540000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#alarka-fire-80-contained-fire-is-on-4-acres-of-eastern-band-of-cherokee-tribal-land 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… Wed, 02 Apr 2025 17:28:12 GMT 00000195-f78b-d1e1-a9df-ffbbdf480000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#state-and-some-local-burn-bans-lifted-wednesday-morning-permits-available 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… Tue, 01 Apr 2025 21:52:37 GMT 00000195-f357-d551-abb5-f3df9ba20000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#south-carolina-teens-charged-with-setting-table-rock-fire 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… Tue, 01 Apr 2025 21:42:24 GMT 00000195-f34e-d4f7-a9bf-fbfe3ba10000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#did-the-rain-kill-the-fire-rattlesnake-branch-fire-now-24-contained 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%… Tue, 01 Apr 2025 15:54:04 GMT 00000195-f20f-dd87-a1b5-f31f55950000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#alarka-fire-is-62-contained 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… Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:55:40 GMT 00000195-eed8-d278-a5dd-fefdceea0000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#black-cove-deep-woods-containment-skyrockets-as-rain-moves-through-wnc 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… Mon, 31 Mar 2025 21:26:03 GMT 00000195-ee18-d81e-a5ff-fffae83e0000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#efforts-on-table-rock-fire-focused-on-nc-line The Table Rock Fire is nearly one-third contained, according to an update Monday afternoon from the South Carolina Forestry Commission. The fire, which… Mon, 31 Mar 2025 19:55:42 GMT 00000195-edc6-d8f3-abb5-fdcf2cff0000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#great-progress-on-table-rock-fires-officials-say 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… Mon, 31 Mar 2025 15:41:12 GMT 00000195-ecdd-d9b3-afb7-fcdd2e5f0000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#rattlesnake-branch-fire-and-alarka-fire-containment-steady-overnight Firefighters at Rattlesnake Branch Fire in Haywood County saw minimal fire activity on Sunday. The area received rain but less than predicted, according… Mon, 31 Mar 2025 15:31:31 GMT 00000195-ecd4-d8f3-abb5-fcdd554c0000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#alarka-fire-containment-improves-to-37-in-swain-county 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… Mon, 31 Mar 2025 00:22:55 GMT 00000195-e994-dd20-a5ff-ed9f78d00000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#fire-activity-low-at-black-cove-fire-complex-on-sunday 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… Sun, 30 Mar 2025 20:39:24 GMT 00000195-e8c7-dd20-a5ff-eddfd8770000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#firefighters-contain-small-portion-of-slow-growing-table-rock-fire Following a promising day fighting the Table Rock fire yesterday, the South Carolina Forestry Commission announced some containment on the fire… Sun, 30 Mar 2025 20:24:37 GMT 00000195-e8ba-d305-a7f5-edbb4b6e0000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#air-quality-shows-significant-improvement-code-reds-cancelled Increasing moisture and showers have significantly lowered smoke and fine particulate levels across western North Carolina, according to the NC Air… Sun, 30 Mar 2025 20:12:47 GMT 00000195-e8af-dd20-a5ff-edbf77960000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#some-evacuations-lifted-in-transylvania-county Officials in Transylvania County have lifted mandatory evacuations for residents.The decision was made after reviewing current conditions and operational… Sun, 30 Mar 2025 19:58:57 GMT 00000195-e8a2-d278-a5dd-fab7cea80000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#rattlesnake-branch-fire-crews-protected-129-homes-so-far 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,… Sun, 30 Mar 2025 18:09:05 GMT 00000195-e83e-dd20-a5ff-ed3f38000000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#rain-in-transylvania-county-aids-productive-day-for-fire-control Transylvania County is receiving "small amounts of rain" that is helping control the Table Rock Fire which has moved into North Carolina, according to… Sun, 30 Mar 2025 17:58:32 GMT 00000195-e834-d305-a7f5-edbd8db50000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#henderson-county-lifts-last-evacuation-order Henderson County downgraded the last remaining evacuation notice from the fire this morning. Officials moved the Summer Haven Community in Saluda down to… Sun, 30 Mar 2025 16:44:10 GMT 00000195-e7f0-d278-a5dd-f7f57a040000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#wet-weather-aids-crews-overnight-in-black-cove-fire-complex Wet weather conditions Saturday night benefitted fire crews working on the more than 7,000 acre Black Cove Fire Complex in Polk and Henderson… Sun, 30 Mar 2025 15:38:29 GMT 00000195-e7b4-d278-a5dd-f7b554470000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#rain-forecasted-as-alarka-fire-grows-18-containment-holds-overnight 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.… Sun, 30 Mar 2025 15:37:37 GMT 00000195-e7b3-dd20-a5ff-efbf89e00000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#firefighters-work-to-put-together-10-000-piece-puzzle-of-table-rock-fire Precipitation aided firefighters battling the Table Rock Fire complex in South Carolina, according to an update from the Southern Area Blue Team who is… Sun, 30 Mar 2025 14:32:10 GMT 00000195-e777-d305-a7f5-efff9f910000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#rain-forecasted-in-georgia-big-ridge-fire-still-0-contained 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.… Sun, 30 Mar 2025 14:23:06 GMT 00000195-e76f-dd20-a5ff-ef7f52240000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#henderson-transylvania-and-polk-counties-under-code-red-air-quality-action-day The NC Department of Environmental Quality reduced the air quality warning to Code Orange in much of Western North Carolina Sunday, but several counties… Sun, 30 Mar 2025 14:01:10 GMT 00000195-e75b-d278-a5dd-f77f3dbb0000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#containment-progress-in-swain-county-at-alarka-fire 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… Sun, 30 Mar 2025 00:19:37 GMT 00000195-e46b-d551-abb5-e5ff14d10000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#rattlesnake-branch-fire-holds-steady-in-haywood-county The Rattlesnake Branch Fire in Haywood County held steady all day, as firefighters worked to protect homes in Cruso, Crawford Creek and install bulldozer… Sat, 29 Mar 2025 23:29:28 GMT 00000195-e43d-d305-a7f5-edbd2f3a0000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#black-cove-fire-containment-improves-and-fish-hook-fire-reaches-100-containment Increased humidity and other favorable weather conditions assisted in containment and suppression efforts in the Black Cove Fire Complex today, according… Sat, 29 Mar 2025 23:01:00 GMT 00000195-e423-d305-a7f5-edab1da80000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#asheville-responds-to-small-brush-fire-worsened-air-conditions Asheville saw worsened air quality on Saturday afternoon due wildfires in the area.The Asheville Fire Department responded to the brush fire near East… Sat, 29 Mar 2025 22:41:56 GMT 00000195-e411-d551-abb5-e59faad90000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#weather-helps-firefighters-in-transylvania-county Favorable weather conditions aided firefighters who worked today to contain the Table Rock Fire, according to the most recent report from Transylvania… Sat, 29 Mar 2025 22:33:26 GMT 00000195-e409-d305-a7f5-ed89e3a30000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#swain-county-officials-to-hold-community-meeting-on-alarka-fire 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… Sat, 29 Mar 2025 18:51:07 GMT 00000195-e33e-d278-a5dd-f33f58200000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#air-quality-concerns-remain-across-wnc-as-wildfires-burn Air quality has improved slightly in some parts of Western North Carolina, but conditions remain unhealthy across the region as wildfires continue to… Sat, 29 Mar 2025 18:34:23 GMT 00000195-e32f-d551-abb5-e3bf06400000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#georgia-big-ridge-fire-not-expected-to-reach-nc-line 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… Sat, 29 Mar 2025 16:32:40 GMT 00000195-e2bf-d278-a5dd-f2bf94db0000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#overnight-improvement-in-polk-county-fire-conditions Fire behavior reduced overnight at the Black Cove Fire Complex, according to North Carolina Forest Service officials. "Many areas across the fire were… Sat, 29 Mar 2025 15:51:26 GMT 00000195-e299-d305-a7f5-ef99d49b0000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#rattlesnake-branch-fire-reaches-1-200-acres 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… Sat, 29 Mar 2025 15:36:56 GMT 00000195-e28c-d305-a7f5-ef8d913f0000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#weather-conditions-play-vital-role-in-table-rock-fire-efforts 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,… Sat, 29 Mar 2025 14:10:35 GMT 00000195-e23d-d551-abb5-e3bf7e6a0000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#favorable-conditions-at-table-rock-fire-this-morning South Carolina officials expressed optimism about their ability to contain the Table Rock Fire, which is running along the southern edge of Transylvania… Sat, 29 Mar 2025 13:18:58 GMT 00000195-e20e-d305-a7f5-ef8f402f0000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#update-on-rattlesnake-branch-fire-in-haywood-county 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… Sat, 29 Mar 2025 13:14:13 GMT 00000195-e209-d551-abb5-e39fe3bf0000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#what-is-containment Data on wildfires note the percentage of containment. But what does containment mean? A video from the South Carolina Forestry Commission explains: Sat, 29 Mar 2025 12:30:00 GMT 00000195-e1e1-dfa9-a795-fbeb91ae0000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#burnouts-continue-through-the-night-at-black-cove-fire-complex 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… Sat, 29 Mar 2025 01:45:24 GMT 00000195-df93-dd20-a5ff-ff9f433d0000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#progress-in-fighting-polk-county-fires 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… Sat, 29 Mar 2025 01:11:09 GMT 00000195-df73-d993-a7ff-ff73e9d00000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#transylvania-county-works-to-fight-table-rock-complex-fires Three fires continue to threaten Transylvania County: the Pisgah National Forest fire at Rattlesnake Branch Fire and two fires in South Carolina, the… Sat, 29 Mar 2025 00:11:56 GMT 00000195-df3d-d278-a5dd-ff3db1630000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#buncombe-county-fires-are-largely-contained 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… Fri, 28 Mar 2025 22:28:11 GMT 00000195-dede-d285-a5df-dffeb3810000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#sc-officials-give-bleak-outlook-on-table-rock-fire 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… Fri, 28 Mar 2025 22:24:40 GMT 00000195-dedb-dabf-ad95-ffdf7e880000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#rattlesnake-fire-in-haywood-county-using-helicopters-for-controlled-burning The Rattlesnake Fire in Haywood County was last reported to be 795 acres and 5 % contained.County emergency officials warned residents that fire crews… Fri, 28 Mar 2025 22:00:32 GMT 00000195-dec5-dd60-a5ff-ffc56d330000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#alarka-fire-10-contained-n-c-forest-service-now-managing-the-incident 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… Fri, 28 Mar 2025 21:51:05 GMT 00000195-debc-d305-a7f5-dfbdbe8a0000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#alarka-fire-update-frye-mountain-road-closed 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… Fri, 28 Mar 2025 20:08:21 GMT 00000195-de5e-d305-a7f5-dfdfad980000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#air-assets-battle-table-rock-fire-from-above-in-transylvania-county Firefighters and sheriff's deputies went door-to-door in part of southern Transylvania County urging residents to heed evacuation orders first issued two… Fri, 28 Mar 2025 20:06:05 GMT 00000195-de5c-d551-abb5-dfdf9e2d0000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#dolly-masters-rd-big-hill-subdivision-leave-now-county-leaders-order The Table Rock Fire has expanded past containment lines on state forest land. Any residents who did not heed prior evacuation orders should leave… Fri, 28 Mar 2025 19:09:24 GMT 00000195-de28-dabf-ad95-ffffb7950000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#small-fairview-fire-50-contained 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… Fri, 28 Mar 2025 18:10:55 GMT 00000195-ddf3-d285-a5df-dfff35520000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#schools-adjust-student-activities-amid-air-quality-health-concerns Public health officials and school districts are adjusting their guidance and daily routines in response to elevated air quality concerns.On Friday, both… Fri, 28 Mar 2025 17:37:14 GMT 00000195-ddd4-d46d-a3d5-ddd455b60000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#headwaters-state-forest-closed Headwaters State Forest is closed due to wildfires, the N.C. Fire Service announced this morning.The forest, located in southern Transylvania County, is… Fri, 28 Mar 2025 16:58:19 GMT 00000195-ddb0-dabf-ad95-fdf7b8850000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#federal-wildfire-team-in-transylvania-residents-urged-to-sign-up-for-evacuation-alerts One structure has been damaged from wildfires in Transylvania County and 11 people are staying in a local emergency shelter.Transylvania County remains… Fri, 28 Mar 2025 16:53:09 GMT 00000195-ddab-d46d-a3d5-ddfffa200000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#worse-drought-across-western-north-carolina-state-agency-reports Much of Western North Carolina is in a moderate drought, according to an updated status report from the Department of Environmental Quality.All burning… Fri, 28 Mar 2025 16:50:52 GMT 00000195-dda9-dd60-a5ff-fdade5ec0000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#rattlesnake-fire-5-contained-controlled-burning-will-exacerbate-smoke-in-haywood-co 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… Fri, 28 Mar 2025 16:21:16 GMT 00000195-dd8e-d551-abb5-dd9fca7b0000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#big-ridge-fire-in-georgia-less-than-20-miles-from-the-nc-state-line 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… Fri, 28 Mar 2025 15:30:37 GMT 00000195-dd60-d278-a5dd-ff756d040000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#table-rock-fire-similar-to-2016-path South Carolina fire officials released a video this morning explaining the perimeter of the Table Rock Fire which has spread into parts of Transylvania… Fri, 28 Mar 2025 14:45:38 GMT 00000195-dd37-d542-afb7-ddbf3fcc0000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#murphy-and-andrews-declare-states-of-emergency-in-cherokee-county Two Cherokee County towns - Murphy and Andrews - have issued local states of emergency as a precautionary step.“This is a precautionary step, not a… Fri, 28 Mar 2025 14:13:23 GMT 00000195-dd19-d46d-a3d5-ddddb3540000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#south-carolina-fires-pose-threat-to-wnc 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… Fri, 28 Mar 2025 03:55:00 GMT 00000195-dae3-d542-afb7-defb8ebc0000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#mitchell-county-discusses-fire-helene-recovery-at-town-hall At a town hall meeting tonight, Mitchell County officials, Forest Service representatives, FEMA agents, and other local leaders answered the public’s… Fri, 28 Mar 2025 03:22:49 GMT 00000195-dac6-dd60-a5ff-ffc619c60000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#buncombe-landfill-fire-suppressed 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… Fri, 28 Mar 2025 02:40:25 GMT 00000195-da9f-dd60-a5ff-ff9f47740000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#saluda-town-hall-addresses-evacuation-routes-containment-and-livestock-care 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… Fri, 28 Mar 2025 02:34:47 GMT 00000195-da9a-d485-ad95-fedb21260000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#freedom-farm-fire-in-leicester-60-containment-no-evacuation-required Voluntary evacuations were called off just hours after being issued as crews were able to control the Freedom Farm Fire in Leicester late Thursday.… Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:57:42 GMT 00000195-da41-d542-afb7-defb3d280000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#kitchens-branch-fire-secure-in-jackson-co The Kitchens Branch Fire perimeter is secure, Jackson County Emergency Management shared late Thursday. The fire spread to 94 acres over the last couple… Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:51:39 GMT 00000195-da3b-dd60-a5ff-ffbfb12f0000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#transylvania-county-officials-to-hold-friday-morning-briefing-on-wildfires 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… Thu, 27 Mar 2025 23:30:59 GMT 00000195-d9f1-decc-a7dd-dff1d88a0000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#alarka-fire-update-911-acres-and-5-contained 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… Thu, 27 Mar 2025 23:29:55 GMT 00000195-d9f0-de07-afd5-d9f7dcad0000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#high-winds-and-dry-conditions-provide-fuel-for-black-cove-fires Containment of the two largest of the three Black Cove fires continues to challenge firefighters, according to the North Carolina Forest Service. The… Thu, 27 Mar 2025 22:57:39 GMT 00000195-d9d3-d71a-abdd-fdd354300000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#stein-says-n-c-forest-service-is-attacking-the-fires-at-every-opportunity 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… Thu, 27 Mar 2025 22:35:11 GMT 00000195-d9be-d485-ad95-fdffc5650000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#n-c-forest-service-says-while-containment-improves-there-is-no-substitute-for-rain 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… Thu, 27 Mar 2025 22:12:00 GMT 00000195-d9a9-d034-addd-dfeb89680000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#mitchell-county-declares-state-of-emergency 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… Thu, 27 Mar 2025 21:29:33 GMT 00000195-d982-d302-a1d5-dddeaf380000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#henderson-co-air-quality-worsens-now-under-code-purple-alert Transylvania and Henderson counties are under the highest-level (worst) air quality alert, with surrounding counties also seeing unhealthy conditions.… Thu, 27 Mar 2025 20:42:56 GMT 00000195-d958-d6f1-a3ff-df5f03360000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#leicester-fire-update-100-120-acres-burning Increased winds have necessitated a voluntary evacuation northwest of Asheville, in the Hayes Cove Road area of Leicester, officials said Thursday… Thu, 27 Mar 2025 18:46:28 GMT 00000195-d8ed-d7bc-a5d5-f9ff5da80000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#kitchen-branch-fire-crew-hopeful-about-containment While the Kitchen Branch fire is moving towards containment, smoke lingers. Pointing to the smoke, Jackson County Fire Marshall Michael Forbis said the… Thu, 27 Mar 2025 18:27:40 GMT 00000195-d8dc-de3e-a5b7-dcdd25120000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#growing-concern-in-transylvania-co-that-persimmon-ridge-and-table-rock-fires-may-merge Transylvania County remains in a state of emergency from the threat of three fires: The Rattlesnake Branch Fire burning in the Pisgah National Forest… Thu, 27 Mar 2025 18:16:35 GMT 00000195-d8d2-d7bc-a5d5-f9da022b0000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#shining-rock-wilderness-area-closed-due-to-uncontained-rattlesnake-branch-fire The Shining Rock Designated Wilderness Area in the Pisgah National Forest is closed due to the ongoing Rattlesnake Branch Fire. The United States… Thu, 27 Mar 2025 17:29:47 GMT 00000195-d8a7-d302-a1d5-ddff27af0000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#swain-co-declares-state-of-emergency-alarka-fire-burns-900-acres 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… Thu, 27 Mar 2025 15:35:21 GMT 00000195-d83e-dd90-a5fd-de3f65ba0000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#state-of-emergency-declared-in-haywood-county 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… Thu, 27 Mar 2025 15:31:02 GMT 00000195-d83a-d302-a1d5-dd7e704e0000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#freedom-farm-fire-in-leicester-not-expected-to-spread-today 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%… Thu, 27 Mar 2025 15:25:07 GMT 00000195-d835-decc-a7dd-dfb508000000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#code-purple-extremely-unhealthy-air-quality-issued-in-transylvania-co Smoke from wildfires burning in and around Western North Carolina is pushing air quality into dangerous territory today. Transylvania County is under a… Thu, 27 Mar 2025 14:59:33 GMT 00000195-d81d-d542-afb7-dcbf9d290000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#kitchen-branch-fire-continues-in-jackson-county 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… Thu, 27 Mar 2025 14:06:46 GMT 00000195-d7ed-d542-afb7-d7ff4b6f0000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#transylvania-county-evacuates-hundreds-closes-some-services 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… Thu, 27 Mar 2025 13:55:27 GMT 00000195-d7e2-d5e7-a79d-fffeedf60000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#fire-officials-to-hold-community-meeting-in-saluda-tonight 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… Thu, 27 Mar 2025 11:21:00 GMT 00000195-d755-dfa9-a795-dfff9a8f0000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#gov-stein-expands-state-of-emergency 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… Thu, 27 Mar 2025 03:57:18 GMT 00000195-d5bf-d71a-abdd-fdbf4b6b0000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#rattlesnake-branch-fire-update-in-haywood-county The Rattlesnake Branch Fire remains at ~200 acres, according to Haywood County Emergency Management. About 40 firefighters are battling the blaze.Winds… Thu, 27 Mar 2025 01:40:07 GMT 00000195-d541-d71a-abdd-fdc3bb9d0000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#two-biggest-fires-in-wnc-see-some-containment 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… Thu, 27 Mar 2025 00:14:50 GMT 00000195-d4f3-decc-a7dd-d7f3a4ce0000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#meteorologist-highlights-overlap-of-helene-impact-and-current-wildfires 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… Wed, 26 Mar 2025 23:17:18 GMT 00000195-d4be-decc-a7dd-d7bef5cd0000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#rutherford-county-evacuation-order-lifted 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… Wed, 26 Mar 2025 22:35:17 GMT 00000195-d498-d3e8-a1d5-fcfb7bc10000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#brush-fire-in-kitchen-branch-area-in-jackson-county Jackson County Emergency Management issued a Code Red message area to residents about a brush fire on Kitchen Branch Road. Fire department and emergency… Wed, 26 Mar 2025 22:33:50 GMT 00000195-d497-d12d-a997-ffb728f90000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#swain-co-emergency-shelter-moved-to-victory-baptist-church 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… Wed, 26 Mar 2025 21:59:40 GMT 00000195-d477-dbd8-a5bd-fd7fe2920000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#curfew-in-place-in-transylvania-county Officials in Transylvania County on Wednesday afternoon issued a curfew for the following areas:South of Hwy 276 to the North Carolina-South Carolina… Wed, 26 Mar 2025 21:58:27 GMT 00000195-d476-db55-ab95-fc7fc5330000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#15-miles-on-blue-ridge-parkway-closed Officials have closed about 15 miles on the Blue Ridge Parkway as firefighters battle an active wildfire. Late Wednesday afternoon, Parkway leaders said… Wed, 26 Mar 2025 21:16:37 GMT 00000195-d450-df6f-ab95-d57d7e390000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#mandatory-evacuation-orders-in-part-of-transylvania-county In coordination with state Forest Service, Transylvania County Emergency Services issued an immediate mandatory evacuation for some residents. Evacuations… Wed, 26 Mar 2025 20:50:30 GMT 00000195-d438-df6f-ab95-d57d90eb0000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#swain-co-fire-causes-fry-mountain-concern-ebci-issues-code-red-in-whittier 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… Wed, 26 Mar 2025 20:37:13 GMT 00000195-d42c-de3e-a5b7-d43d6bb10000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#polk-county-orders-more-mandatory-evacuations Residents in Polk County at the following addresses should evacuate immediately: 2456 - 6159 Holbert Cove RoadWho Drive Echo Lane Glen Echo CircleScout… Wed, 26 Mar 2025 20:27:26 GMT 00000195-d423-d8f2-addf-d46f726f0000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#immediate-evacuations-for-rutherford-county Rutherford County officials issued an immediate evacuation notice for the following areas:South Winds Drive, Davenport RoadAn emergency shelter has been… Wed, 26 Mar 2025 20:25:56 GMT 00000195-d422-d3e8-a1d5-fc6b12d10000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#fire-alert-in-haywood-county 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… Wed, 26 Mar 2025 20:22:05 GMT 00000195-d41e-d3e8-a1d5-fc7f8a840000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#small-fire-in-buncombe-prompts-official-warning 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… Wed, 26 Mar 2025 20:11:36 GMT 00000195-d414-dbd8-a5bd-fd7cf7c50000 /live-updates/more-than-6-000-acres-burning-live-updates-from-wnc#black-cove-complex-is-highest-priority-fire-in-the-southern-u-s 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… Wed, 26 Mar 2025 18:33:48 GMT 00000195-d3f9-d07d-a7b5-d3ff13170000