Haywood County Fire Update

Pisgah National Forest -- December 9, 2023L Firefighters are monitoring and patrolling the Black Bear, Locust Cove #2, and Clear Creek Fires burning on the Pisgah National Forest, ahead of an expected weather event this weekend.

The Black Bear Fire has burned 2008 acres in Haywood County. The fire is currently 90% contained, with estimated full containment on December 13. The section of the Appalachian Trail between I-40 and Brown Gap Road remains closed. Brown Gap Road, NFSR#148A is also closed for public safety.
The Locust Cove #2 and Clear Creek Fires are currently burning approximately two miles from each other in McDowell County. The Locust Cove #2 Fire is 60% contained and 180 acres. Crews continue patrolling firelines and eliminating hotspots, focusing on the west side of the fire. Fire activity on the Clear Creek Fire has been light, remaining at 124 acres with containment increasing to 90%.
Expect rain on Saturday and Sunday on the fires, with thunderstorms more likely on Sunday. The storm may result in strong wind gusts across the mountains.
Pisgah NF’s Davidson River Schenck Job Corps Center crew hikes along fireline