Update: April 18, 2026, 9:15 p.m.: Howard Gap Road has reopened. Officials said no homes or structures were damaged, and the North Carolina Forest Service will return Sunday for additional mop-up work while the fire’s cause remains under investigation.
HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Howard Gap Road has reopened after a brush fire in Henderson County burned about 8 acres and prompted a large emergency response.
The North Carolina Forest Service is expected to return Sunday for additional mop-up work and to extinguish remaining hot spots, according to county officials.
Dana Fire Department responded around 6 p.m. Friday to the fire on Howard Gap Road, where crews found a woods fire burning in an area filled with storm debris and downed trees from Helene. The heavy blowdown increased the danger for firefighters and made containment difficult.
The North Carolina Forest Service and several Henderson County fire departments assisted Dana Fire Department as crews worked overnight to control the blaze.
The fire had reached about 8 acres in size by early Saturday morning. At noon, Gillette said the fire was 80% contained.
A statewide burn ban remains in effect across North Carolina. Outdoor burning is prohibited while the ban is in place.