ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Multiple wildfires continued to burn across Western North Carolina on Monday as the region remains in severe drought conditions, increasing fire risk and complicating containment efforts, officials said.
The largest active blaze, the Jumping Branch Fire in McDowell County, had grown to an estimated 175 acres by late Sunday and remained 0 percent contained as of Monday morning, according to McDowell County Emergency Management. The fire is burning between Locust Cove Road and Sugar Cove Road near Marion.
Nearly 200 firefighters, supported by aircraft, worked to contain the fire Sunday. Officials said no structures have been lost, and crews remained on the scene overnight. Firefighters are focusing on protecting homes and property along the North Carolina Highway 80 corridor.
The U.S. Forest Service said helicopters and water-scooping aircraft continued coordinated drops to slow the fire’s spread while ground crews worked to establish containment lines.
A statewide burn ban remains in effect, prohibiting all outdoor burning. Authorities urged residents to report any fires by calling 911.
Elsewhere, several fires in the region showed progress.
In Pisgah National Forest, the Poplar Fire in Mitchell County held steady at about 350 acres and was 80 percent contained. Crews continued to patrol the area and extinguish hotspots. Officials noted the fire is burning in an area heavily impacted by downed trees from Tropical Storm Helene, contributing to increased fire intensity.
The Tarkiln Ridge Fire in Nantahala National Forest, caused by lightning, was 90 percent contained and in patrol status, with no visible smoke reported. Fire crews continued to monitor the perimeter, and nearby prescribed burns were credited with helping limit the fire’s spread.
The Nix Creek Road Fire near Lake Logan reached full containment at 45 acres, though firefighters remained on site to monitor interior hotspots.
A smaller blaze, the Black Balsam Fire southeast of Waynesville, was estimated at 5 acres and 75 percent contained. Fire crews continued reinforcing containment lines, and some interior burning operations were planned to reduce risk. Portions of the Blue Ridge Parkway and nearby trails that had been closed because of the fire reopened Sunday afternoon.
Officials warned that smoke could affect visibility on nearby roadways, particularly during morning and evening hours, and urged drivers to use caution.
The National Weather Service issued a statement warning of elevated fire danger across Western North Carolina through Monday evening, citing low humidity, gusty winds and dry vegetation as factors that could contribute to rapid fire growth.