It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Bryson City, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I'm so happy to have such a professional and reliable agency that I can refer”
“Always Best Care Seniors Services provide the personal touch in-home care! From our initial”
“Highly professional and very caring. A great company”
“I love this company. They are always very responsive. They truly care about the ones”
“Wonderful service, very helpful, great communication.”
“All their caregivers are nice, show up, rarely late, and very helpful and kind. They”
“I am a current client of this provider They give me the peace of mind. They are”
“My husband has dementia. They have helped me continue to work and feel comfortable in”
“Very great place to work! The staff is very supportive!”
“This place is absolutely amazing to work for!! The office team is so welcoming and”
“They do what I ask them to do which makes my life easier. They are”
“The most caring compassionate place i have ever been to”
“Outstanding care and compassion for both clients and employees”
“They really appreciate to have their employees there . And that makes me feel happy”
“I went for my interview there a week ago and the staff were so nice”
“I am a current client of this provider It could just be his cooperation or lack”
“I am a current client of this provider They do what I ask them to do”
“I am Kathryn Merrell and for the past several months I have been under the”
“I am a current client of this provider She does whatever is needed without being asked. I”
“I am a current client of this provider Just being here and making meals is great.”
“As a caregiver I am so pleased with the care for the clients. I've never”
“I would recommend them because they provide good services. I've been down on my”
“They're very prompt about coming when they're supposed to and they do what we need”
“I am a current client of this provider They've helped the most just by being here,”
“I have honestly never met a group of people who care as much as the”
“I'm so happy to have such a professional and reliable agency that I can refer my caregivers to and know that they will receive the service they need to assist with the care of their loved ones with dementia,”
“Always Best Care Seniors Services provide the personal touch in-home care! From our initial call inquiring about services, to meeting the owner Jim Smeaton to discuss our unique family needs, to the caring compassionate and understanding caregivers we are thoroughly impressed. Its such a relief knowing our loved ones are receiving the care they deserve.”
“Highly professional and very caring. A great company”
“I love this company. They are always very responsive. They truly care about the ones that they care for.”
“Wonderful service, very helpful, great communication.”
“All their caregivers are nice, show up, rarely late, and very helpful and kind. They are reliable, and the caregivers are sweet and attentive.”
“I am a current client of this provider They give me the peace of mind. They are always able to be reached and are willing to work with you.”
“My husband has dementia. They have helped me continue to work and feel comfortable in knowing my husband is safe with excellent care. The office listens, really hears and is helpful to support and meet needs. Our caregiver, Chip, has become family. He was very personable, attentive to needs, brings extra in music, stories, making sure to pay attention to the patient and give accordingly. He is always kind and gracious. We are blessed to have them.”
“Very great place to work! The staff is very supportive!”
“This place is absolutely amazing to work for!! The office team is so welcoming and helpful anytime I call or come in, and my clients are wonderful! It’s more like helping a friend all day instead of working like clockwork!”
“They do what I ask them to do which makes my life easier. They are always on time and they always finish the job during the day.”
“The most caring compassionate place i have ever been to”
“Outstanding care and compassion for both clients and employees”
“They really appreciate to have their employees there . And that makes me feel happy just being in there in their organization .. my google is under Stephanie young but my last name is now Duarte . Young was my married name , I’m divorced now”
“I went for my interview there a week ago and the staff were so nice and welcoming. I’m excited to join the team and see the great things they have in store.”
“I am a current client of this provider It could just be his cooperation or lack thereof. It is regarding his cooperation regarding the service. He tends to not wake the caregiver for assistance during the night time. I would give specific names of individuals in this organization that I would request over others.”
“I am a current client of this provider They do what I ask them to do which makes my life easier. They are always on time and they always finish the job during the day.”
“I am Kathryn Merrell and for the past several months I have been under the care of ABC Senior Services. I have had the privilege of enjoying the care of Lois C. She is the best advertisement for your agency. When I am asked, which happens frequently, about my experience with ABC, I refer to Lois as being your prime example of the type of care they can expect from you. She goes beyond just basic care and does all she can to help remedy any problem we have. I love that I can trust her and feel safe having her share my home with me. She is very professional yet very "down home", a rare combination. You should be very thankful she is on your "team"! Because of her, I have no problem recommending your company to all who ask.”
“I am a current client of this provider She does whatever is needed without being asked. I have had a couple of very good people, one of which I have now. When I was getting going with them, I had a couple of people I would never like to have again, but that has all been ironed out.”
“I am a current client of this provider Just being here and making meals is great. But they could be more proactive. They need to be better at communicating.”
“As a caregiver I am so pleased with the care for the clients. I've never worked for a company that was so dedicated to clients and caregivers. Everyone is always happy, clients and staff. I am blessed to work here.”
“I would recommend them because they provide good services. I've been down on my health, so it's been a blessing to have them taking care of him for me. I appreciate that the caregivers are friendly.”
“They're very prompt about coming when they're supposed to and they do what we need them to do. They've helped the most just by being here.”
“I am a current client of this provider They've helped the most just by being here, and doing what they're supposed to. They're very prompt about coming when they're supposed to and they do what we need them to do.”
“I have honestly never met a group of people who care as much as the Always Best Care team. I have watched the staff there change lives for the better, not only for clients but each other as well. It is a pleasure to be a part of this team, nothing compares to it!!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Bryson City, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Bryson City, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Bryson City, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
SWAIN COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — Evacuation orders have been issued across Swain County in response to a growing fire that ignited on April 18.According to the Swain County Emergency Management Facebook page, an immediate evacuation has been issued for Big Rocky's Road and the Sky Cove Development.HA...
SWAIN COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — Evacuation orders have been issued across Swain County in response to a growing fire that ignited on April 18.
According to the Swain County Emergency Management Facebook page, an immediate evacuation has been issued for Big Rocky's Road and the Sky Cove Development.
HAOE LEAD FIRE REMAINS 0% CONTAINED AS CREWS BATTLE BLAZE IN NANTAHALA NATIONAL FOREST
"All residents must evacuate NOW due to safety concerns," officials wrote in the post.
The fire is burning in the areas of Sam Davis Road, Gospel Road, Big Rocky's Road and Dark Branch Road, consuming a total of 90 acres to date.
As of April 18, the North Carolina Forest Service (NCFS) has taken over the management of the Sam Davis Road Fire.
The post said fire crews are actively working at the scene, focusing on establishing control lines with the assistance of air support, ground personnel, and heavy equipment.
Residents should expect heavy smoke throughout Swain County and surrounding areas, with conditions varying based on wind direction.
Officials advise driving carefully and limiting outdoor activities, especially for those sensitive to smoke.
The post also said officials urge the public not to call 911 to report smoke from the active fire area.
"Calls should only be made if visible flames or an active fire are near your location, in order to keep emergency lines open for genuine emergencies," officials wrote in the post.
The fire area includes several narrow mountain roads, including Sam Davis Road, Gospel Road, Big Rocky's Road and Dark Branch Road.
FIREFIGHTERS MAKE PROGRESS ON BEE ROCK CREEK FIRE IN MCDOWELL COUNTY
The post said on-resident traffic will be turned around to "ensure safe and efficient access for fire crews and emergency vehicles."
A shelter is being set up at the Swain County Senior Center, located at 125 Brendle St, Bryson City, N.C., for residents in need. Please note that pets are not allowed at this shelter.
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News 13 will provide updates to this story as they become available.
The Sam Davis Road Fire has burned 350 acres and is 0% contained, leading to Swain County declaring a state of emergency on April 19. (Photo: WLOS Staff)0SWAIN COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — The Sam Davis Road Fire has burned 350 acres and is 0% contained, leading to Swain County declaring a state of emergency on April 19.Officials said, additionally, in response to the escalating situation, West Elementary will be closed on Monday....
The Sam Davis Road Fire has burned 350 acres and is 0% contained, leading to Swain County declaring a state of emergency on April 19. (Photo: WLOS Staff)
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SWAIN COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — The Sam Davis Road Fire has burned 350 acres and is 0% contained, leading to Swain County declaring a state of emergency on April 19.
Officials said, additionally, in response to the escalating situation, West Elementary will be closed on Monday.
SWAIN COUNTY RESIDENTS URGED TO EVACUATE AS FIRE REMAINS 0% CONTAINED
Around 30 homes have been evacuated around Big Rocky's Road and the Sky Cove Development as well as Bobcat Trail off Dark Branch Road.
According to the incident commander, no structures have been lost.
Less than a month after the Alarka Five Fire ignited more than 1,500 acres, scooper planes and forest service helicopters are once again flying back and forth to Fontana Lake and an active fire zone.
The Sam Davis Road Fire is burning about four miles southwest of Bryson City, only a few miles away from where the Alarka Five Fire burned.
"It's kind of unnerving; we travel back and forth to town all the time this way, and to see this kind of thing and it be so close to the house and whatnot, it makes you kind of wonder," Chris Fairwell said.
Fairwell, who lives near where the fire was burning off Lower Alarka Rd., said the smoke was so thick near his home he wanted to check out the fire.
Chuck Taylor, a volunteer with the Bryson City Fire Department, was working with a handful of other firemen executing a back burn near a home close to Bobcat Trail.
"What we're doing right now is called a back burn, which burns the debris from the house up to the actual fire and puts it all in the black, so once it's in the black, it can't burn, and this really protects the house and since this is on such a steep hill with such over-blow from the previous storms he's doing it in tiers starting at the top and kind of working its way down towards the house and keeping it off the house," he said.
SWAIN COUNTY ISSUES MORE EVACUATION ORDERS AS FIRE THREATENS LOCAL COMMUNITIES
Taylor is one of many volunteers working the Sam Davis Road Fire and told News 13 backburns are typical when fighting fire in steep terrain.
The incident commander says around 100 people from 20 departments are on the ground doing what they can to contain the flames.
Mandatory evacuations continued in the Carolinas on Saturday from rapidly spreading mountain wildfires that firefighters from across the United States have battled for days, emergency officials said.Three fires that merged to form the Black Cove Complex Fire have burned nearly 7,000 acres in Western North Carolina’s Polk and Henderson counties, N.C. Forest Service rangers said Friday night.The fires engu...
Mandatory evacuations continued in the Carolinas on Saturday from rapidly spreading mountain wildfires that firefighters from across the United States have battled for days, emergency officials said.
Three fires that merged to form the Black Cove Complex Fire have burned nearly 7,000 acres in Western North Carolina’s Polk and Henderson counties, N.C. Forest Service rangers said Friday night.
The fires engulfed 22 structures, forced evacuations on 18 roads and required an injured firefighter to be airlifted to a hospital.
AmeriCorps NCCC, which sent a team of firefighters, called the Black Cove Complex Fire on Friday the “highest priority fire in the U.S.”
Nearly 500 firefighters from across the state and nation were on the scene Saturday night, according to the N.C. Forest Service.
Concord Fire deployed a team that has worked all three of the Black Cove Complex fires.
And FEMA on Friday authorized federal money to reimburse costs to North Carolina to fight the massive Table Rock fire in Transylvania County.
The fire spread northeast from Pickens County, S.C., and has consumed 10,904 acres, according to an update Saturday by the S.C. Forestry Commission.
Another S.C. mountain wildfire, the Persimmon Ridge Fire, has consumed 2,000 acres in Greenville and Pickens counties, officials said.
One of the fires that formed the Black Cove Complex Fire has burned 3,500 acres and was 35% contained, Forest Service officials said in a 6:30 p.m. update Saturday. The fire, named the Black Cove Fire, was about two miles northeast of Saluda, in the Green River Gorge.
Gastonia firefighters were among those who worked through the night late Friday and early Saturday to protect homes near Saluda from the fire.
“Fire behavior has continued to be intense, with rapid fire spread and areas of extreme burning conditions due to shifting winds and dry weather during the day,” according to a news release from the Forest Service on Friday night.
Overnight, the fire “calmed down due to increasing humidity and cloud cover,” fire officials said Saturday. “Crews patrolled and monitored fire lines throughout the night.”
Saturday night, flames diminished thanks to humid, calm weather, officials said.
“Suppression and repair efforts are ongoing across each fire as containment lines are strengthened and patrolled,” including with bulldozer line repairs and water bars installed on roads, according to the 6:30 p.m. statement.
A downed power line caused the fire, which was first reported on Wednesday, officials said.
The second fire, known as the Deep Woods Fire, spread to 3,970 acres and was 32% contained. The fire was about five miles northwest of Columbus, on state-owned and private land in the Green River Gorge and the neighboring Holbert Cove community, according to the N.C. Forest Service.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The fire also was first reported on Wednesday.
The third fire, called the Fish Hook Fire, covered 199 acres and was 100% contained, officials said. The fire was about five miles northwest of Mill Spring on private land near Lake Adger.
A downed power line also caused that fire, which was reported on Thursday, officials said.
A 1,300-acre fire in the Alarka community near Bryson City was only 10% contained, Swain County Emergency Management officials said on social media at 8:30 p.m. Friday.
The cause of the fire that started Tuesday remains under investigation, officials said. Evacuations were ordered for Long Creek Lane, Unahala Creek and Alarka Highlands.
Temperatures and wind increased in Swain County early Saturday ahead of possible rain, officials said. Gusts up to 21 mph were expected and highs near 70 degrees. The chance of showers stood at 40% this weekend.
“Dry windy conditions and rough, rocky terrain will make fire suppression efforts difficult until significant rain is received,” Swain County emergency officials said.
North Carolina is under a statewide burn ban. A state of emergency was declared Wednesday for 34 Western North Carolina counties.
Evacuations on Saturday were “constantly being assessed based on fire activity,” according to the 6:30 p.m. Fire Service update.
For Polk County updates, including current evacuation notices, visit the county website. For Henderson County updates, visit the county’s website.
To check wildfire activity across the state, use the North Carolina Forest Service wildfire public viewer at https://ncfspublic.firesponse.com/.
This story was originally published March 29, 2025 at 11:30 AM.
The Charlotte Observer
Joe Marusak has been a reporter for The Charlotte Observer since 1989 covering the people, municipalities and major news events of the region, and was a news bureau editor for the paper. He currently reports on breaking news. Support my work with a digital subscription
RALEIGH — Firefighters announced progress Wednesday night on containing two of the largest wildfires burning in the North Carolina mountains, but they warned that fire danger remained from dry and windy conditions.The news was worse in South Carolina, where two fires nearly doubled in size Wednesday, but crews kept the blazes away from homes and other structures.Hundreds of people have been asked to leave their homes in North Carolina and South Carolina as a half-dozen ...
RALEIGH — Firefighters announced progress Wednesday night on containing two of the largest wildfires burning in the North Carolina mountains, but they warned that fire danger remained from dry and windy conditions.
The news was worse in South Carolina, where two fires nearly doubled in size Wednesday, but crews kept the blazes away from homes and other structures.
Hundreds of people have been asked to leave their homes in North Carolina and South Carolina as a half-dozen large fires are burning in the Blue Ridge Mountains, spreading smoke into places like Greenville. Millions of fallen trees from September’s Hurricane Helene are both providing fuel for the wildfires and hindering firefighters’ use of logging roads and paths.
About 250 homes have been evacuated in Polk County, where the fires are centered. About two dozen homes and outbuildings have been destroyed in Polk County, spokesperson Kellie Cannon said.
Fire officials in North Carolina have asked citizens in the affected areas to check the Polk County and Henderson County websites for evacuation news and notices. Polk County has numerous localities under Level 3, a mandatory evacuation situation.
Firefighters have managed to save most of the structures near the fires. Only one injury has been reported — a firefighter in North Carolina got his leg caught under a tree, officials said.
Wednesday’s dry weather led to several new fires in western North Carolina and prompted Gov. Josh Stein to declare a state of emergency in 34 western counties. At least nine fires were active in that part of the state, officials said.
“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,” Stein said in a statement.
Late Tuesday, a wildfire started in far western North Carolina not far from Bryson City. Police were evacuating dozens of people as the fire spread to nearly 1 square mile.
The N.C. Forest Service released a map of the perimeters of the fires in Black Cove, Deep Woods and Fish Hook on Wednesday afternoon. Per yesterday evening’s update Black Cove Fire was 3,052 acres in size and 17% contained, Deep Woods Fire was 3,231 acres in size and 11% contained, and Fish Hook Fire was 199 acres in size and 86% contained.
The fires have scorched nearly 10 square miles combined, but the size of the area burned has largely remained the same since the previous day.
Both the Black Cove and Fish Hook fires were started by downed power lines. The Deep Woods fire’s origin is still under investigation.
South Carolina fire officials called for their first round of evacuations Tuesday night and more throughout the day Wednesday.
Two fires are burning — a larger one inside Table Rock State Park in Pickens County that has consumed 7.1 square miles and another one on Persimmon Ridge in Greenville County that has burned 2.4 square miles, according to measurements from the air Wednesday afternoon. Officials said the fires have likely grown since then.
About 250 homes are in the Pickens County evacuation zone with more in neighboring Greenville County, authorities said.
The fires are about 8 miles apart, and winds are strong enough that authorities decided to evacuate the area between the two fires.
North Carolina issued a statewide open burn ban effective 8 a.m. last Friday. All burning permits have been rescinded and no new permits are being issued. The burn ban will stay in effect until further notice.
On Wednesday afternoon, North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein issued a state of emergency.
“The State Emergency Response Team is on the ground assisting affected counties and has been since late last week,” Stein said on X. “We are still under a statewide burn ban. I continue to urge residents to pay close attention to local emergency alerts and evacuation notifications.”
The State of Emergency in North Carolina includes the following counties: 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, Yancey and tribal lands in the State of North Carolina held by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
The fires in South Carolina have been caused by humans. WBTV News has reported four teens have been accused of starting the fire in the Table Rock State Park area.
Authorities from local fire chiefs all the way to South Carolina’s governor are urging people to heed burn bans in both states and stop setting fires at campsites or to burn garbage.
“We have people going out in the woods and in their backyards and starting fires when the wind is blowing and everything is dry,” South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster said. “We just have to use common sense. People get out in nature and they forget how dangerous it can be.”
There is rain in the forecast for the weekend, but it isn’t the kind of soaking downpour that can knock a fire out on its own, said National Weather Service meteorologist Ashley Rehnberg in Greer, South Carolina.
“Hopefully that will at least calm things down briefly,” Rehnberg said.
The bright spot in the forecast for the next week is there is no especially dangerous day where the winds and the dry weather reach potentially disastrous levels like in Los Angeles in January or Gatlinburg, Tennessee, in 2016.
Forestry agencies in North Carolina and South Carolina are already figuring out how to rotate teams of firefighters into and out of the mountains for what could be a long fight.
“Burn bans are in place, and people need to follow them,” Rehnberg said. “Even if we do get rain, the weather is going to continue to be a problem as far as we can forecast.”
North State Journal’s A.P. Dillon contributed to this report.
SWAIN COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — Fire crews are working to slow the spread of a wildfire in Swain County that prompted several evacuation orders and forced one school to close Monday.According to a post on the county's Emergency Management Facebook page, crews are focusing on building containment lines to keep the Sam Davis Road Fire within Sam Davis Road to the east, Lower Alarka Road to the south, Mountain Side Drive to the west and Potato Ridge to the north....
SWAIN COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — Fire crews are working to slow the spread of a wildfire in Swain County that prompted several evacuation orders and forced one school to close Monday.
According to a post on the county's Emergency Management Facebook page, crews are focusing on building containment lines to keep the Sam Davis Road Fire within Sam Davis Road to the east, Lower Alarka Road to the south, Mountain Side Drive to the west and Potato Ridge to the north.
SAM DAVIS ROAD FIRE BLAZES THROUGH 350 ACRES IN SWAIN COUNTY, PROMPTING STATE OF EMERGENCY
The fire is burning about four miles southwest of Bryson City. As of Monday, April 21, it had burned 400 acres and is 85% contained, according to the N.C. Forest Service fire map. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Swain County Emergency Management said Monday that mandatory evacuations have been lifted for several roads in the area, including Big Rocky, Sam Davis and the Sky Cove Development.
At 5:15 p.m. the evacuation order was lifted for Dark Branch Road and Bobcat Trail. Residents on Dark Branch Road can return home.
Superintendent Mark Sale announced Sunday that West Swain Elementary would be closed Monday, April 21, in support of Swain County Emergency Management and the Forest Service.
Officials said residents should expect to see heavy smoke throughout Swain County and surrounding areas, with conditions shifting based on wind direction. Emergency officials advise individuals who are sensitive to smoke to limit time outdoors.
Residents of Swain County can sign up for free emergency alerts by enrolling in the county's CodeRED notification system.
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