ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Cooler temperatures and recent rainfall have helped crews get a better handle on wildfires burning across Western North Carolina. Rain chances are expected to taper off late Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.
The Asheville area has received 1.77 inches of precipitation since March 1 and 6.77 inches since Jan 1, according to the NWS.
While the Black Cove Complex fires in Polk and Henderson counties have grown in size (from 7,670 acres to 7,680), containment has also increased.
The fires at a glance:
- Black Cove Complex total size: 7,680 acres
- Black Cove: 3,502 acres, 97% contained
- Deep Woods: 3,979 acres, 63% contained
- Fish Hook: 199 acres, 100% contained
- Resources: 34 engines and 393 total personnel
Rattlesnake Branch Fire in Haywood County
The fire is burning on private land and the Shining Rock Wilderness Area on Pisgah National Forest around the Cruso community, about 11 miles southeast of Waynesville.
County officials said in a news release the fire did not move Tuesday, but the sunny conditions helped the heat in some large logs and dead trees to come back to life.
The fire at a glance:
- Size: 1,851 acres
- Containment: 24%
- Personnel: 176
Alarka Five Fire in Swain County
- Size: 1,575 acres
- Containment: 80%
- Personnel: 87
Table Rock Complex in Upstate South Carolina/Transylvania County North Carolina
The State Forester’s Burning Ban for Greenville, Horry, Oconee, Pickens and Spartanburg counties was lifted at noon Wednesday. The statewide burning ban for the 41 other South Carolina counties was lifted Monday, March 31.
Table Rock Fire
- Size: 13,564 acres (12,929 acres in South Carolina and 635 acres in North Carolina)
- Containment: 68%
Persimmon Ridge Fire
- Size: 2,078 acres
- Containment: 74%