Single Publication

1,193 acres | 0% containment | 166 personnel assigned

Highlights: Primary containment lines have been identified around the Black Bear Fire, utilizing Interstate 40 on the southwest, the Appalachian Trail from I-40 to Groundhog Creek Shelter along the north, and Forest Road 3580 on the east south to I-40. Groundhog Creek drainage is being scouted as a better eastern containment line to further limit fire spread potential. Containment line work along the Appalachian Trail will consist of raking away forest floor litter and removing fallen trees, much like normal trail maintenance, to minimize impacts along the National Scenic Trail.

Last night’s wet weather is giving firefighters an excellent opportunity to put containment lines in place, as well as for fire managers to work with local county, state, and federal agencies to plan for drier conditions conducive to fire spread beginning this weekend through early next week before additional rainfall occurs later in the week.

Resources assigned to the fire include four 20-person hand crews, 1 Engine, and 1 dozer. Aerial resources include three helicopters.

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Weather: A cold front passed through the region last night, bringing showers and gusty northwest winds. For today, lingering clouds and showers can be expected this morning with gradual clearing in the afternoon. Ridges may be obscured by cloud cover this morning. It will remain breezy with northwest winds of 15-25 mph. The wind is expected to diminish tonight as skies clear. It will be much cooler today and tonight with highs of 48-55 and lows in the 30’s.

Fire Behavior: Unless fire fuels were wetted by rain, surface fuels will support very active fire spread with slope and wind. Heavy fuel concentrations will cause flare-ups and accelerated spread rates. Fire behavior characteristics for the day include wind and slope aligned head fire spread including fingering runs on steep slopes. Expect active flanking fire with potential head runs. Sustained backing may produce slope reversals in creek bottoms.

Air Quality: Expect smoke when driving along I-40 near the fire. Air quality information provided by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality is available at airquality.climate.ncsu.edu/.

Burn Bans: Due to increased fire risk, the N.C. Forest Service has issued a ban on all open burning until further notice in several counties in western North Carolina. For more information visit https://www.ncforestservice.gov/fire_control/sit_report.htm.

The U.S. Forest Service has implemented fire restrictions across the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests. To view the closure order visit www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/nfsnc/alerts-notices.

Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR): There is a flight restriction over the fire area and drones are also prohibited. If you fly, we can't!

Evacuations: None at this time.

Closures: For public and firefighter safety, the Appalachian Trai is closed from Interstate 40 to Max Patch. Road closures are in effect for Cold Springs Road and Brown Gap Road. Impacts to travel along Interstate 40 are expected. Check current road conditions at drivenc.gov.