MACON COUNTY, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Firefighters continued working Tuesday to contain a wildfire burning in the Nantahala National Forest in Macon County after the fire broke out Monday near Winding Stairs Gap.
The Winding Stairs Alpha Fire has burned about 80 acres south of Winding Stairs Gap off U.S. Highway 64, according to the U.S. Forest Service. Crews have constructed handlines and dozer lines, bringing containment to roughly 30 percent as of Tuesday.
The fire is burning upslope through hardwood leaf litter on steep, rocky terrain. Officials said the blaze is more than a mile from the Appalachian Trail and about a half-mile from the nearest homes.
Fire officials urged drivers to use caution along westbound U.S. 64, where flames were reported close to the roadway Monday night. Smoke has been visible from the city of Franklin and surrounding areas and may affect air quality.
Firefighters from the U.S. Forest Service, the North Carolina Forest Service and local agencies remain on scene. Rain showers expected Wednesday, along with cooler and cloudier conditions, are forecast to slow fire activity and reduce risk to nearby areas, officials said. Contingency plans are in place should conditions worsen.
The public is urged to avoid the area while firefighting operations continue.