North Fork Fire 90 Percent Contained

North Fork -- U.S. Forest Services North Fork Fire Update: North Folk Fire activity is minimal on the North Fork Fire, which remains at 644

acres and is now 90% contained.

The North Fork fire is burning in areas of heavy damage from Hurricane Helene near the Woodlawn Community in McDowell County, NC. The fire is located east of Highway 221 and south of American Thread Road along the cliffs above the North Fork of the Catawba River in the U.S. Forest Service Grandfather Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest.

The interior the fire was producing very little smoke yesterday, allowing managers to fly specialized drones over the fire area. The drones were equipped with infrared cameras that are capable of detecting remaining heat. Several locations are still holding heat, especially in Hurricane Helene damaged areas. Warm, sunny conditions are leading to increased smoke from these hot spots in the afternoon hours. Firefighters are continuing to monitor and patrol the fire lines.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but down fuels and dry conditions contributed to the fire intensity. Local residents and visitors to the National Forest are asked to be extra safe with fire this year. Good safety practices like dousing campfires until they are completely out and limiting debris burning in windy conditions are critical to protecting our homes and forests post-Helene. For wildfire prevention how-tos visit smokeybear.com/

Approximately 60 personnel from the U.S. Forest Service, North Carolina Forest Service, McDowell County Emergency Management, and Woodlawn Fire Department are on the ground assisting with the North Fork Fire today. No structures are at risk.

The Mountains to Sea Trail between Hwy 221 and FSR 106, Bald Mountain Road (FSR 150) and Graveyard Mountain Road (FSR 149) remain closed for the safety of the public and firefighters. Recreationists are asked to avoid the area.

Image: WNCTimes