U.S. Forest Service - National Forests in North Carolina Western North Carolina faces an elevated risk of wildfires as a Red Flag Warning has been issued, signaling the potential for extreme fire behavior
The warning highlights specific weather conditions that could lead to rapidly spreading fires, impacting local communities.
Weather Conditions Driving Fire Risk
The Red Flag Warning is in effect due to critical fire weather conditions, specifically a combination of high winds and very low humidity. Northeast winds are expected to range from 10 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph. Relative humidity is forecasted to drop as low as 13%. These dry and windy conditions can cause any fire that ignites to spread quickly.
Geographic Coverage
The warning covers a large portion of western and central North Carolina. Counties included are Avery, Alexander, Iredell, Davie, Madison, Yancey, Mitchell, Swain, Haywood, Buncombe, Catawba, Rowan, Graham, Northern Jackson, Macon, Southern Jackson, Transylvania, Henderson, Cleveland, Lincoln, Gaston, Cabarrus, and Union. The warning also extends to the North Carolina portion of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the mountain regions of Caldwell, Burke, McDowell, Rutherford, and Polk counties. Mecklenburg County is also under the Red Flag Warning.
Recommended Precautions
During the Red Flag Warning, outdoor burning is not recommended due to the increased risk of fire spread. The combination of strong winds and low humidity creates an environment where fires can ignite easily and spread rapidly, posing a threat to communities and natural resources.
Residents are urged to exercise caution and avoid any activities that could potentially spark a fire. The Red Flag Warning serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety and prevention during periods of heightened risk.
Black Balsam Fire Update
Fire crews are making progress towards containment. The Blue Ridge Parkway from US Route 276 (mile marker 411.9) to NC Route 215 (mile marker 423.2) has been reopened for public travel this afternoon (3/29/26). Forest Road 816 (Black Balsam Knob Rd) and the trails in the area have also been reopened for public use.
In coordination with the North Carolina Forest Service and several local fire departments, US Forest Service personnel and aircraft are responding to a new wildfire on the Grandfather Ranger District on the Pisgah National Forest.
The Jumping Branch Fire is in the Locust Cove Road area approximately 8 miles northwest of Marion, NC. The fire size was last reported as 25 acres and numerous aircraft are on scene or enroute to make water drops. A large amount of smoke is being generated which will impact local residents and roadways.
UPDATE 4 PM: The public is asked to stay away from the fire area to allow firefighters and aircraft to work safely. This is a developing wildfire. You can also follow the McDowell County 911 / Emergency Management page for updates.
McDowell County 911 / Emergency Management
The Jumping Branch Fire is a quickly evolving wildfire, please stay away from the area to allow firefighters and aircraft to work safely.
Wildfire Update - Armstrong Creek Rd.
Black Balsam Fire Update 3/29/26 at 12PM
Containment remains at 80% with the NCFS revising the fire size to a total of 6 acres.
Residents can view the NC Forest Service’s Live Fire Tracker by visiting https://ncfspublic.firesponse.com
Updates on fires across NC can be found using the link below.
NC 80 Shut Down North of Toms Creek Rd to Yancey County Line Due to Wildfire
McDOWELL COUNTY, NC – March 29, 2026 – NC 80 is currently shut down north of Toms Creek Road to the Yancey County line due to an active wildfire north of Locust Cove Road. The closure is necessary to ensure the safety of emergency personnel working to contain the fire.
Firefighters are on scene providing structure protection for homes along Locust Cove Road. At this time, there are no evacuation orders for residents.
Motorists are urged to avoid the area and follow directions from emergency responders. Updates will be provided as the situation develops.