Transylvania County Wildfire Update

Transylvania County -- Press Release Transylvania County Government Forest Fire Update 11 AM March 28, 2025: Transylvania County is  under a State of Emergency due to forest fire danger from three fires:

- Pisgah National Forest fire at Rattlesnake Branch Fire estimated at 700 acres
- Persimmon Ridge fire from South Carolina, estimated at 2,000 acres
- Table Rock Fire from South Carolina 9,000 acres
Per the North Carolina State Fire Service the fire line is primarily limited to the state line area with a spot fire identified within North Carolina at Busted Rock, but all fire activity is currently in the state forests as of midday. Federal resources are pulling in additional resources to assist in fire line tracking.
*Unified Command has been established to respond to the forest fires of concern for Transylvania County. This supports the ability to bring resources in and helps consolidate communications. We will be releasing three written updates daily with the midday briefing in person. Miscommunication can be dangerous and is creating additional challenges in the response. A multi-agency effort has been underway to prepare for potential forest fire spread into the county with coordination with local, state and federal leaders. A federal blue strike team is located in South Carolina incident command with a liaison now stationed in the Incident Command Center located at Connestee. State Forest Service has been working with the strike team to put in dozer break lines, conduct back burn activities and other fire line control measures. Resources arrived yesterday from Fannin County, Georgia, from South Carolina and from Office of State Fire Marshall’s Office. Transylvania County Cooperative Extension is coordinating with our agriculture community regarding livestock.
* Air quality today is expected to be very poor. Code Purple is very unhealthy air quality. The general public is urged to avoid long or intense outdoor activities. Sensitive groups particularly susceptible to health impacts, including children, older adults and people with asthma or heart conditions, should avoid all outdoor physical activity in these conditions. We encourage anyone experiencing breathing challenges to follow up with their provider or go to the emergency room, if needed.
*Weather conditions this afternoon are expected to pose challenges for fire control in the southern section of Transylvania County at the state line. Conditions can change rapidly. Additional evacuations may be ordered. Those signed up for emergency alerts on the Transylvania County website will receive notifications of evacuation only if their address is impacted. All residents are encouraged to be proactive by registering their address and phone number in the county alert system. Take prevention measures around your home and vehicles to remove dry leaves and vegetive debris that could be ignited with embers. A tutorial to support sign up will be released today.
*The evacuation boundary has not changed since initially issued on Wednesday. 758 Structures are under a mandatory evacuation and emergency shelter is open at Transylvania County Parks and Recreation at
1078 Ecusta Rd. RVs cannot be accommodated at the shelter. Mountain Falls RV Park is willing to accept RVs at their location.
* County service changes for March 28, 2025 due to county forest fires and evacuations:
Parks and recreation and health department clinic are closed to support shelter operations and the animal shelter is closed to surrender intakes. Environmental Health, Community Health, WIC services and animal control remain open. The See Off Solid Waste Convenience Site is closed due to smoke and ash hazards.
*Only call 911 if you see active fire. Smoky conditions throughout the county are expected.
*Comporium has suspended planned broadband outages in Transylvania County to support communication infrastructure and has increased the service to Connestee Fire Department to support response operations.
Connestee Fire and Rescue Update
*Weather is not favorable this afternoon. Crews have been working on structure protection activities.
Cedar Mountain Fire and Rescue Update
* Weather is not favorable this afternoon. Crews have been working on structure protection activities.
* Residents are encouraged to remove leaves and dry vegetative debris from around their homes, vehicles and gutters. Also remove other flammable items like cushions, card board, gas cans and other items away from your home. This will support the ability of fire departments to protect homes.
Transportation Update
*The US Forest Service has closed the Blue Ridge Parkway from 215 to Asheville. 276 is closed from the NC/SC line to Hwy 11. Within Transylvania County, travel is restricted into the evacuated area has shown on the map at www.transylvaniacounty.org. A curfew was in effect last night in the evacuation area and may be implemented again tonight to allow for response crews to continue operations without interference. The stationary map at www.transylvaniacounty.org and the file showing on SARTOPO will be updated as conditions change. Dupont State Forest has closed some trails. 

Note: messages will be pushed out on social media and the evacuation map updated on transylvaniacounty.org as conditions change. A media briefing for tomorrow will be announced.

Image: WNCTimes