Mitchell County – May 1, 2026: The Beans Creek brush fire in Mitchell County has expanded to 15 acres with no containment, prompting officials to urge residents in the Shoot Out Mountain and Melton Branch Road areas to prepare for potential evacuation. While no evacuation orders have been issued at this time, Mitchell County Emergency Management is advising residents to take immediate steps to ensure safety and readiness.
The fire, which was reported on Saturday, May 16, is burning near 1261 Beans Creek Road. Mitchell County Emergency Management, Fork Mountain Fire and Rescue, and the North Carolina Forest Service are involved in the response. With the fire at 0% containment, conditions could change rapidly, making proactive preparation critical for nearby residents.
Officials are emphasizing the importance of preparing now for a potential evacuation. This includes packing bags, readying vehicles, and finalizing evacuation plans. Residents are encouraged to gather essential items and have them easily accessible.
Essential Evacuation Preparations
Mitchell County Emergency Management reminds residents to pack the “P’s” when preparing go-bags:
People and Pets: Ensure all family members and pets are accounted for and have necessary supplies.
Papers, Phone Numbers, and Important Documents: Collect vital records, identification, and a list of emergency contacts.
Prescriptions, Vitamins, and Eyeglasses: Pack all necessary medications and vision aids.
Pictures and Irreplaceable Memorabilia: Secure cherished photos and sentimental items that cannot be replaced.
Personal Computers and Hard Drives: Back up or bring essential electronic devices and data.
Plastic (credit/debit cards) and Cash: Have financial resources readily available.
In addition to packing, residents in the affected areas should fuel and position their vehicles for a quick departure. It is also crucial to plan where to go if an evacuation order is issued, whether to a relative's home, a friend's house, or a designated shelter.
Officials stress the need for residents to stay alert for updated instructions from Mitchell County Emergency Management. Being prepared now can help ensure the safety of families and pets should evacuation become necessary.
Residents in the affected areas should:
People and Pets
Papers, Phone Numbers, and Important Documents
Prescriptions, Vitamins, and Eyeglasses
Pictures and Irreplaceable Memorabilia
Personal Computers and Hard Drives
Plastic (credit/debit cards) and Cash
Fork Mountain Fire and Rescue and the North Carolina Forest Services responded to a brush fire in the area of 1261 Beans Creek Road on Saturday, May 16.
Multiple fire departments from Mitchell, Avery and Yancey counties have been on scene since the initial reports of a brush fire.
Fork Mountain Fire and rescue and Green Valley Fire and Rescue and the North Carolina Forest Service will be patrolling the fire overnight as fire fighting operations continue
If you see any fire activity you believe the Fire Department is not aware of or is in the immediate vicinity of your home, please don’t hesitate to call 911 and report it.
Please continue to monitor local emergency management and fire department updates closely. Do not wait until the last minute to prepar