Fire Information Update November 19, 2023

NC -- NCFS Fire Information Update:  The Poplar Drive Fire in Henderson County has reached 100% containment.

The fire will continue to be monitored by N.C. Forest Service personnel. The fire footprint was 434 acres, and the cause was determined to be a debris burn.

The Collett Ridge Fire, burning in Cherokee and Clay counties, is 5,505 acres and 82% contained. The Collett Ridge Fire is being managed under unified command by the U.S. Forest Service and N.C. Forest Service. The cause of Collett Ridge was determined to be lightning.

The Black Bear Fire is burning in Haywood County on the Appalachian Ranger District of the Pisgah National Forest, and is currently 1,720 acres and remains 0% contained. The fire started on Nov. 16, resulting from a traffic accident on Interstate 40 near the NC/TN border. Reduced visibility on I-40 due to fires in the area is possible. For public and firefighter safety, the Appalachian Trail is closed from Interstate 40 to Max Patch. Road closures are in effect for Cold Springs Road and Brown Gap Road. I-40 remains OPEN, but expect delays from both directions. Check current road conditions at drivenc.gov. Information on this fire can be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/ncncf-2023-black-bear-fire.

As of Nov. 19, 828 fires have burned on state and private lands statewide since Nov. 1. Yesterday, firefighters responded to several small fires across the region, protecting more than 20 structures with an estimated total value of over $100 million.

Regional Weather: Sunny skies are forecast for Sunday with 5-10mph winds from the southwest to west. Temperatures will range from lower to mid-60s for the high. Monday will consist of partly cloudy skies with cooler temperatures. Stronger winds from the southeast with gusts in excess of 30mph can be expected at the highest peaks near the NC/TN border Monday evening. Other areas in the region are due to experience a possible increase in southerly winds on Tuesday with gusts in excess of 30mph. Clouds and widespread rain are forecast for Tuesday, though there is still a large amount of uncertainty with respect to timing and amounts. Rain accumulation in excess of one-half inch remains highly likely with the potential for significantly more.

Burn Ban Notice: Effective 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8, a burn ban has been issued for Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Caldwell, Catawba, Haywood, Iredell, Lincoln, Madison, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey counties. Read the full news release. Effective 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5, a burn ban was issued for Burke, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Graham, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, and Transylvania counties. Both bans remain in effect until further notice.