Multiple wildfires have scorched hundreds of acres across the area

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Fire danger will be high again Sunday.

Another dry day is expected today, with minimum relative humidity of 15 to 20 percent during the afternoon. While winds will be much weaker and temperatures much cooler, dry vegetation because of lack of recent rainfall combined with the dry air will once again enhance the wildfire danger across the western Carolinas and northeast Georgia, the National Weather Service said.

Multiple wildfires are ongoing across the area, and the Buncombe County Fire Marshal’s Office has issued a temporary ban on open burning until 9 a.m. Wednesday, March 5, though it may be extended depending on conditions. The burning of any material other than naturally occurring vegetation is never allowed.

Wildfires in the area include:

Candler Fire: A wildfire near Milksick Cove Road and Grooms Road in Candler has expanded to about 50 acres and is about 50 percent contained. Firefighters are actively working to protect structures, and no evacuations have been ordered. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Broad River Fire: A wildfire in the Broad River community along N.C. Route 9 has reached about 15 acres and is 50 percent contained. Downed power lines are suspected to have ignited the blaze. Two homes were initially threatened, but protective measures have been established, and no injuries have been reported.

Melrose Fire: This wildfire burning in the Saluda/Tryon communities has grown to about 400 acres with 0 percent containment. The fire is believed to have been started by a downed power line at 3910 U.S. 176. It rapidly spread up the mountain, threatening multiple structures. Mutual aid from Polk, Henderson, Rutherford, Buncombe, Spartanburg counties and the N.C. Forest Service are assisting with containment efforts. Residents can expect a heavy fire department presence in the Bear Creek, Hanging Rock, Rhododendron Drive, Oceanview Drive and Meadow Lark Drive areas as crews work to protect homes and reduce fire fuels. At this time, no additional evacuation orders are in place.