WLOS — On Wednesday, Governor Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency due to the ongoing drought and wildfires. Across the state, a burn ban is in effect for dozens of counties as firefighters mobilize to help fight wildfires in western North Carolina.
Latest Fire Updates
Poplar Drive Fire, Henderson County, NC - 11-09-23 PM Update
At 6 p.m. on Nov. 9, officials said the containment of the Poplar Drive Fire in Henderson County had doubled, to 30% containment. The total acreage of the fire had grown slightly, to 434 acres, but only because of the burnout operation conducted by fire crews Thursday on 2.5 acres of unburned vegetation in the Kyle Creek Road area.
Poplar Drive Fire, Henderson County, NC - 11-09-23 AM Update
The Poplar Drive Fire in Henderson County is 431 acres and is 15% contained. Percent containment represents sections of fire line that pose no escape risk without further action from firefighters. A State of Emergency has been issued by Governor Cooper due to existing and potential wildfires in North Carolina. Read the State of Emergency declaration.
On Thursday, firefighters plan to execute a 2.5-acre burnout operation in an area of unburned vegetation flanking Kyles Creek Road. “We identified an area where the fire did not burn all the way to the fire line we put in. That unburned area can be susceptible to catching fire and throwing embers if we do not handle it. The plan for a burnout of the green vegetation is the best and safest course of action for our firefighters and the citizens living near this area. Once the burn is completed, the fire line in this section will be better reinforced to keep the fire in footprint in place,” notes Operations Section Chief David LaFon.
One home, two cabins and two outbuildings have been lost, while another home sustained damage. Area homes remain threatened, and Forest Service personnel, county fire department and sheriff’s office staff are continually assessing the needs of those structures. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Two firefighters sustained minor injuries and both were treated and released. One minor motor vehicle accident has been reported with no injuries.
Personnel with the N.C. Forest Service, N.C. Emergency Management, Office of State Fire Marshal, Henderson County Emergency Management, Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, Edneyville Fire Department along with numerous other fire departments are responding to the incident.
BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY TEMPORARILY BANS CAMPFIRES AMID RISING FIRE DANGER
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Collett Ridge Fire, Cherokee County, NC - 11-09-23 AM Update
Currently 4,372 acres, 5% contained.
On Wednesday, Nov. 8, firefighters established containment lines and began clearing leafy debris from around homes and buildings and cutting back any overhanging branches to prepare the structures to be more resilient if the fire comes close. Currently, there are 16 threatened structures to the north/northeast, firefighters are on scene providing structure protection as needed. Crews patrolled the burned area to the north of the fire near the communities of Lord’s Way/Bolden Branch, no hotspots were detected. Firefighters began scouting potential locations for containment lines to the west of the fire within the Snyders Creek and McClellan Creek areas. Southern portion of the fire was burning to the north of Tathum Cabin Branch and northwest of County Corners. Aircraft was used to slow the progression of the fire to the west using 33,000 gallons of water, which was drawn from Nantahala Lake.
On Thursday, firefighters will continue strengthening handline to the northeast of the fire and providing structure protection as needed. Crews will begin constructing handline on the northwest side of the fire within the Snyder Creek and McClellan Creek areas to tie into a dozer line along the western side south to Big Stamp. On the southern side firefighters are working to keep the fire to the north of Fires Creek Road and may perform firing operations as conditions allow near Cold Springs Branch and Shinbone Ridge.
The U.S. Forest Service has implemented fire restrictions across the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests. To view the closure order visit www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/nfsnc/alerts-notices
NEW CREWS AND EQUIPMENT DEPLOYED TO BATTLE POPLAR DRIVE FIRE
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East Fork Fire, Jackson County, NC - Nantahala National Forest - 11-08-23 Update
300 acres, 80% contained
The East Fork Fire is currently 80% contained and approximately 300 acres. The U.S. Forest Service is supporting the N.C. Forest Service in unified command of the fire. Yesterday firefighters completed firing operations to strengthen established containment lines and successfully protected one threatened structure. Today crews will work on reinforcing containment lines and contingency lines around the fire.
First reported on Nov. 4, located within the Savannah Fire District
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Cascade Lake Road, Transylvania County, NC - Dupont State Recreational Forest - 11-08-23 Update
Fire is approximately 36 acres and 75% contained.
5-10 acres are on DSRF and the rest are on private land
No structures have been lost, and none are in danger.
No evacuation orders are associated with the fire
Fire fighting team includes: DSRF staff, HESF staff, NCFS Transylvania County Rangers, local fire departments, and a team from NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Fire cause is under investigation
Mop up is currently under way but timeframe is unknown because of current conditions (extreme dryness of ground and fuels, air temperature, low humidity, etc.)
Trail closures include Cascade Loop and Sheep Mountain Road.
Cascade Lake Road is not closed but people should choose an alternate route if possible so that they do not impede work on the fire. Individuals who must use Cascade Lake Road are advised to drive with caution and to be alert for firefighters and their vehicles entering or parked along the road.