Two wildfires near Asheville contained; no injuries or damage reported

SWANNANOA, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Firefighters are continuing to monitor and mop up two wildfires that burned in and around the Asheville area, with no injuries or structural damage reported, officials said.

Swannanoa Fire & Rescue officials said a wildfire in the Lytle Cove area was contained at about 7 acres. Crews reported no injuries and no damage to structures, though firefighters protected one home where flames came within feet of the residence.

Officials praised crews who worked overnight in cold conditions and those who relieved them on the next shift. Multiple agencies assisted in battling the fire, including Riceville Volunteer Fire Department, Fairview Volunteer Fire Department, Reynolds Volunteer Fire Department, Asheville Fire Department and the N.C. Forest Service.

Farther south, crews are continuing work on the Shumont fire in Rutherford County, which began on New Year’s Eve, according to Broad River Fire & Rescue. Broad River and Lake Lure volunteer fire departments pulled their last trucks from the scene earlier Saturday, while the N.C. Forest Service remains on-site and is expected to continue operations for another day or two. No homes are currently threatened, and the Forest Service has assumed command of the incident.

Fire officials said residents may see or smell smoke for several days as crews continue to secure the area.

Broad River Fire & Rescue also addressed rumors circulating about the cause of the fire, saying there was no evidence that fireworks were involved. Officials said the homeowner discovered the fire after returning home and was actively trying to contain it when first responders arrived. The cause remains unknown and is under investigation.

Fire officials noted that some recent fires in the region have been linked to power lines, though no downed lines were found at the Shumont site. A power right-of-way is located nearby, and officials said falling limbs can sometimes strike lines and cause sparks that ignite dry debris.

Authorities urged residents to use caution with any outdoor burning, noting that the region is in a dry period.

Meanwhile, the National Weather Service said light rain and drizzle were expected at times through early Saturday afternoon, with temperatures cooler than Friday. Skies are forecast to clear overnight, with temperatures near freezing in many areas by daybreak Sunday.