RUTHERFORD COUNTY, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Fire crews from multiple agencies continued working Thursday on a large woods fire burning near Lake Lure, as strong winds and rugged terrain complicated containment efforts.
The fire burning near 905 Bald Mountain Road in the Shumont area was first reported about 7 p.m. New Year’s Eve, after numerous calls from residents, according to Broad River Fire & Rescue.
Crews from Lake Lure, Broad River and Chimney Rock responded and located the fire in an area burned during the Party Rock fire.
Heavy blowdown from past damage fueled the flames and initially put one nearby structure at risk. Firefighters were able to quickly knock down that portion of the fire, preventing damage to the home, officials said.
As of 3 p.m. Thursday, the fire was estimated at 20.25 acres and just over 50 percent contained, according to Rutherford County Emergency Management. High winds overnight forced crews to shift to defensive operations.
Approximately 35 to 40 personnel remained on scene, with no homes or structures currently threatened and no injuries reported. North Carolina Fire Service crews were expected to continue coverage through the night.
Agencies assisting with the response include Lake Lure, Bills Creek, Shingle Hollow, Chimney Rock, Green Hill, Broad River, Henderson County, North Carolina State Parks, the N.C. Forest Service, the Rutherford County Fire Marshal’s Office, Rutherford County Emergency Management and several Buncombe County fire departments.
Buncombe County officials said the county is providing support and confirmed no evacuations are needed at this time.
Residents in the Shumont area may see or smell smoke, officials said, and are asked to avoid the area if possible as firefighting operations continue.