ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — As hundreds of acres continue to burn across Western North Carolina, smoke has blanketed the area, leading to several air quality alerts.
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality issued a Code Red alert for Swain, Henderson and Polk counties and a Code Purple alert for Transylvania County.
The Freedom Farm Fire in Leicester was mapped Thursday afternoon at 127 acres with about 20 percent containment, according to the North Carolina Forest Service Wildfire Map.
The Rattlesnake Branch Fire burning on the Pisgah National Forest has consumed about 500 acres and was 0 percent contained.
More than 80 firefighters from state and local fire departments and the U.S. Forest Service were building a fire line between homes and the active fire edge along Crawford Creek Road and Highway 276 near Rattlesnake Branch Road, the U.S. Forest Service said Thursday.
Haywood County officials said Thursday morning the fire was moving west into the Shining Rock Wilderness Area.
As of Thursday morning, the Kitchens Branch Fire in Sylva was mapped at 94 acres and was estimated to be 60 percent contained, according to Jackson County Emergency Management.
The Alarka Five Fire in Swain County was 911 acres in size and 0 percent contained Thursday, the North Carolina Forest Service said.
Swain County Emergency Management has evacuation notices in place. Evacuation orders for Swain County residents include:
- Long Creek Lane
- Unahala Creek Lane
- Alarka Highlands Drive
The Southern Area Incident Management Gray Team is mobilizing and will take over the fire at 8 a.m. Friday, March 28.
The Black Cove Complex is the highest priority fire in the U.S. Weather conditions continue to fuel rapid fire progression with lower humidities and higher winds.
The Black Cove Fire was 3,052 acres in size and 17 percent contained. The fire is burning in timber on state-owned and private land about 2 miles northeast of Saluda in the Green River Gorge.
The Deep Woods Fire was 3,231 acres in size and 11 percent contained. The fire is burning about 5 miles northwest of Columbus in timber on state-owned and private land in the Green River Gorge and in the neighboring Holbert Cove community.
The Fish Hook Fire was 199 acres in size and 86 percent contained. The fire is burning about 5 miles northwest of Mill Spring on private land near Lake Adger.
The Table Rock Fire was about 4,556 acres in size at last update. It has not been contained.
The Persimmon Ridge Fire has grown to 1,553 acres and is 0 percent contained.
Tips for driving in wildfire haze
Wildfire smoke is lingering in the area, reducing visibility and creating hazardous conditions.
- Slow down: Smoke can make it difficult to see ahead. Reduce your speed.
- Use low beams: High beams reflect off the smoke, making it harder to see.
- Increase following distance: Give extra space between your vehicle and the one ahead.
- Follow road markings: Use lane lines and edge markers to stay on the road.
- Minimize distractions: Avoid using your phone or adjusting the radio.
- Pull over if necessary: If visibility is too poor, find a safe place to pull over.
- Use wipers & defroster: Keep your windshield clear for improved visibility.
- Turn on hazard lights: If visibility drops significantly, alert other drivers.
- Watch for stopped vehicles: Smoke can obscure parked cars and other road hazards.