ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Wildfires fueled by debris left behind by Tropical Storm Helene continued burning across Western North Carolina on Monday, as fire crews worked to strengthen containment lines under dry, windy conditions and critically low humidity.
The U.S. Forest Service reported generally lighter activity Sunday within the National Forests of North Carolina, including a few smoke checks and a small fire that was quickly contained. Officials said firefighters and aircraft remain staged across the region as fire danger stays “very high” statewide.
Cole Gap Fire reaches 80% containment
The Cole Gap Fire, burning in the Nantahala Ranger District about 6 miles west of Cashiers, has grown to 55 acres and is now 80 percent contained. The fire was reported April 11 and remains under investigation.
On Sunday, wind gusts up to 25 mph tested containment lines, but officials said the fire stayed within its established footprint because of suppression efforts. Crews are now focused on reinforcing control lines and extinguishing lingering hot spots, particularly in heavy interior fuels such as logs and downed branches.
Smoke may be visible from Buck Creek, Cashiers, Highlands and nearby communities. Fire officials cautioned drivers to use care along Buck Creek Road because of firefighters working near roadways and reduced visibility from smoke.
Cold Springs Fire at 25% containment
The Cold Springs Fire in the Appalachian Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest, about 15 miles north of Lake Junaluska, is estimated at 13 acres and 25 percent contained.
Fire crews have been working around the clock building hand lines and monitoring fire spread. Officials said dozers are expected to complete an indirect contingency line Monday, while crews continue extinguishing interior heat.
Smoke impacts are possible along the Interstate 40 corridor and surrounding areas.
Cold Springs Road (Forest Service Road 148) remains closed from Interstate 40 to Brown Gap Road (FSR 148a) for public and firefighter safety. Officials urged caution on nearby roads because of firefighting activity and reduced visibility.
Jack Branch Fire fully contained
The Jack Branch Fire, in the Cowbell Mountain area near Hot Springs along the Tennessee state line, is now 100 percent contained at 15 acres.
Officials said the fire, reported April 10, was quickly brought under control and crews will continue patrolling the perimeter for several days to ensure no remaining hot spots flare up. Unless conditions change, Sunday marked the final daily update for the incident.
Smoke and air quality concerns continue
Officials warned that smoke from multiple fires may continue to affect visibility along roadways, particularly during morning and evening hours. Residents are encouraged to use caution while driving and monitor local air quality conditions at fire.airnow.gov.
Fire officials said crews remain on standby across Western North Carolina as dry weather persists and the risk of new ignitions remains high.