North

Forest Service Battling Fires in Western North Carolina

RALEIGH -- Firefighters from the N.C. Division of Forest resources (NCDFR) have been battling several fires in the western part of the state. NCDFR fire suppression forces are fighting six fires, which started Sunday afternoon. Due to strong gusty winds and low humidity a burning ban has been issued by NCDFR for a large portion of western North Carolina. Here is a summary of current fires in western North Carolina:

Deep Creek FireSwain County250 acresContained 4/12/99
Wessen Creek FireSwain County300 acresStill working
Christian Creek Fire Buncombe County175 acres85% contained
Camby Drive FireBuncombe County 80 acresContained 4/12/99
Sign FireRutherford County 30 acresContained 4/12/99
Pearson Falls FirePolk County 30 acresContained 4/12/99

In addition to these fires, NCDFR personnel and equipment are still working on the Buck Mountain fire in Wilkes County, which started last Friday. The fire escaped containment lines early today. It has burned over 500 acres and is threatening the Pumpkin Run Development which has been evacuated. The CL-215 aerial tanker based in Hickory is being used to drop water-foam mixture on this fire.

An additional CL-215 tanker stationed in Lumberton has been moved to the Mountain region to assist with the fire emergency. Support personnel from across the state have been dispatched to Western North Carolina to assist in the firefighting efforts. In addition to the two CL-215 tankers there are seven smaller aircraft and five helicopters assigned to the Western North Carolina fires.

New fires were reported today in Buncombe and Jackson Counties. Fire conditions will improve when winds subside and humidity's increase. The burning ban for the 32 western counties will remain in effect until further notice.

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Date Posted: 04/13


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