WNC -- Update on Wildfires: U.S. Forest Service - National Forests in North Carolina: April 3, 2026: Fire crews and aircraft responded to three new fires, each over 1 acre in size, on the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests yesterday (Thursday April 2) afternoon.
The Old Glory Fire is located 5 miles north of Hayesville, NC on the Tusquitee Ranger District. Firefighters responded and with suppression actions kept the fire to 4.5 acres. The fire is 100% contained.
The Mills Creek Fire is located 5 miles south of Blowing Rock, NC on the Grandfather Ranger District. Firefighters responded with both a ground crew hiking to the fire and a helicopter for water drops. The cause of this fire is a confirmed lightning strike. The fire is 2.5 acres in size. Firefighters will continue to cool hot spots and secure the fire edge working towards containment.
The Wiggins Fire is located 8 miles southwest of Bryson City, NC and just west of the Little Tennessee River on the Nantahala Ranger District. Firefighters responded with ground crews, engines and aircraft including two super scoopers and a helicopter for water drops. Firefighters remained on the fire overnight building dozer lines and focusing on structure protection. Today (Friday) additional engines, crews and aircraft will arrive and continue structure protection and work on suppression actions. Aircraft will be used for water drops. The U.S. Forest Service is in Unified Command with the North Carolina Forest Service (state agency) on this fire. The fire is 65-75 acres in size with 0% containment. Additional
updates will be provided as needed because the fire is an evolving situation.