Fire in NC mountains: Where are active wildfires burning?

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Dry weather has a hold on us and wildfires continue to burn across parts of North Carolina. But where are the fires, and will they improve at all going forward? The WFMY News 2 Weather Team is tracking it for you. 

According to the NC Forestry Service, most of the wildfires in our state are in the western half of North Carolina. At last check, there were 7 wildfires greater than 35 acres that continued to burn. See the map below. 

The largest fire by far is the Collett Ridge fire in Cherokee County. The fire is 5,335 acres in size and 79% contained.  It was caused by lightning. This has largely been allowed to grow naturally because it hasn’t been threatening many populated areas or structures.

The Poplar Drive Fire in Henderson County, just south of Asheville, is now 95% contained and is significantly smaller at 434 acres. One home, two cabins, one uninhabitable mobile home, one uninhabitable cabin and two outbuildings were destroyed. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. 

A large number of smaller fires continue to burn in this area but they’re all less than 400 acres at this time. With dry ground and abundant fallen leaves, fire danger remains high. 

Conditions are so dry that a burn ban is in effect. The N.C. Forest Service says it will continue to monitor conditions across the state. If you have any questions regarding a specific county, you can contact their N.C. Forest Service county ranger or their county fire marshal’s office.

A cold front will sweep across the Carolinas on Friday but doesn’t bring a good chance for rain. There is a better chance of rain next week. For the latest look at the forecast, head on over to this link.