ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Fire officials across Buncombe, Haywood and Transylvania counties warned residents Friday to expect smoke-filled skies as a brush fire and a large prescribed burn sent haze drifting across the region.
The North Canton and Leicester fire departments said smoke was moving into their districts from a brush fire burning in the Enka-Candler Fire District. Crews were on scene Friday afternoon, after a 22-acre blaze that was contained Thursday night reignited and grew to 40 acres.
People who live in the Enka Lake area reported a helicopter gathering water from the lake.
County officials said the fire was about 50 percent contained at 2:20 p.m.
Departments urged residents to avoid outdoor burning because of extremely dry conditions and elevated fire danger.
“Smoke is expected to be visible throughout the day,” the North Canton Fire Department said, adding that conditions remain too hazardous for safe burning.
ENKA FIRE CONTAINED, FAIRVIEW FIRE GROWS BUT NEARS CONTAINMENT
Elsewhere, a separate plume was spreading across southern Buncombe County, Brevard and Transylvania County as the U.S. Forest Service carried out a 1,200-acre prescribed burn in Pisgah National Forest. The burn area includes Coontree Recreation Area, Coontree Loop Trail, Bennett Gap Trail, Avery Creek Road and nearby campsites, as well as Pisgah Riding Stables.
The Forest Service said the operation would continue through Friday as weather allows, with some area closures possible through Saturday for public safety. Officials emphasized that prescribed fires help reduce overgrown vegetation and lower the risk of more dangerous wildfires.
Residents in Brevard and surrounding communities reported highly visible smoke but were urged not to be alarmed.