Rain Aids Wildfire Suppression Efforts Across Western North Carolina

WNC --  Rainfall across Western North Carolina over the weekend has provided much-needed relief in the fight against multiple wildfires that have burned thousands of acres in the region.

The moisture helped slow fire activity, cooled the ground, and improved conditions for crews conducting suppression efforts—a combination of strategies used to control, contain, and ultimately extinguish wildfires.

What Are Suppression Efforts?
Suppression efforts involve both ground and aerial tactics, including creating firebreaks (clear areas that stop the spread of flames), dropping water or retardant from aircraft, clearing brush and debris, and using controlled burns to eliminate fuel sources. These strategies are essential for limiting the spread of wildfires and protecting nearby communities, infrastructure, and natural resources.

Black Cove Complex Fires Benefit from Rain
The Black Cove Complex—a group of wildfires in Polk and Henderson counties—has seen significant progress:

Black Cove Fire: 3,501 acres burned, now 93% contained.

Deep Woods Fire: 3,969 acres burned, 60% contained.

Fish Hook Fire: 199 acres, fully contained.

Thanks to the rain, crews have been able to shift from active firefighting to suppression repair, which includes stabilizing soil, repairing fire lines, and preventing erosion—especially important in steep, mountainous areas vulnerable to runoff.

Haywood County’s Rattlesnake Branch Fire
In Haywood County, near Cruso, the Rattlesnake Branch Fire has burned approximately 1,865 acres and is 21% contained. With help from improved weather, over 100 firefighters are working to extend containment lines and safeguard structures in the area.

Swain County’s Alarka Five Fire
The Alarka Five Fire near Bryson City has scorched 1,515 acres and is now 62% contained. Around 90 personnel remain engaged in mop-up operations and hot spot suppression, ensuring that the fire doesn’t reignite with changing winds or dry spells.

Table Rock Complex Sees Slowed Spread
Fires that crossed from South Carolina into Transylvania County have slowed. In particular:

Table Rock Fire: Reached 606 acres inside North Carolina.

Persimmon Ridge Fire: Burned 2,078 acres, now 64% contained.

Firefighters are using the damp conditions to build stronger perimeter lines and protect residential and natural areas still at risk.

Ongoing Caution Despite Rain
Despite the helpful rain, state officials caution that fire season is not over. The North Carolina Forest Service reported 48 separate wildfires just on March 29, burning nearly 100 acres of private and state-owned land.

A statewide ban on open burning remains in effect, and residents are urged to comply with all fire safety measures.

Underlying Issues: Debris and Drought
Officials cite leftover debris from Hurricane Helene and ongoing drought conditions as key reasons for the rapid spread of recent wildfires. The hurricane left behind an enormous amount of deadwood and fuel in forests across the region, now being ignited under dry and windy conditions.

Moving Forward
As cleanup and containment continue, officials stress the importance of community awareness and cooperation. The recent rain has offered a window of opportunity for crews to make progress, but vigilance is still necessary.

WNCTimes

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