Mitchell County -- May 18, 2026: The brush fire burning in the Beans Creek area of Mitchell County has expanded overnight. Local emergency and state forestry officials have provided the following status update as of Monday morning:
Size & Containment: The fire is now estimated at 30 acres with 0% containment.
Evacuation Status: There are NO ACTIVE EVACUATIONS at this time.
Pre-Evacuation Warning: The housing community of Shoot Out Mountain and Melton Branch Road remain under a "SET" status according to the Ready, Set, Go Wildfire Action Plan.
Command Structure: Fork Mountain Fire & Rescue and the North Carolina Forest Service are continuing operations under a Unified Command.
What "SET" Status Means for Residents
While no official evacuation orders have been issued, residents in the affected zones are strongly encouraged to remain highly alert and fully prepared to leave if conditions deteriorate and a "GO" order is issued.
Please review the essential emergency "P's" while preparing your household:
People & Pets: Formulate a plan for all family members and secure pet carriers/leashes.
Papers & Phone Numbers: Gather government IDs, insurance policies, and critical contact lists.
Prescriptions: Pack necessary medications, medical devices, vitamins, and eyeglasses.
Pictures & Memorabilia: Secure irreplaceable family photos and irreplaceable items.
Personal Computers: Back up or pack hard drives, laptops, and essential electronics.
Plastic & Cash: Ensure you have credit/debit cards and physical cash on hand.
Stay Informed
Local officials urge residents to monitor conditions closely as early summer temperatures climb across Western North Carolina today.
Sign up for localized emergency alerts via Hyper-Reach.
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