ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Fire crews from across Buncombe County are battling multiple brush fires Thursday afternoon as dry weather and gusty winds create dangerous wildfire conditions across Western North Carolina.
The Woodfin Fire Department reported that its A-shift firefighters were dispatched to assist the Enka-Candler Fire Department with a large brush fire in the area of Milksick Cove Road, where flames had burned roughly 45 acres by 3:20 p.m. and were about 20 percent contained, according to the North Carolina Forest Service’s Wildfire Public Viewer.
Meanwhile, the Riceville Volunteer Fire Department urged residents to avoid all open burning and to extinguish any active fires, citing “high potential fire danger” and several ongoing brush fires across the county.
A wildfire reported off Cane Creek Road was at 10 acres and 50 percent contained. A fire in McDowell County was contained Thursday afternoon.
The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg warned that strong winds, low humidity and ongoing drought have combined to heighten the risk of fast-moving wildfires. The agency reminded residents that most wildfires begin with a human-caused spark that can quickly spread in dry, windy conditions.
Local fire departments continue to monitor the situation and urge caution until wetter weather returns.
Buncombe County fire officials on Thursday afternoon urged residents to refrain from open burning because of the elevated fire danger. While no official ban is currently in place, the fire marshal warned that even small fires can quickly spread under dry, windy conditions.
Residents are reminded to follow safety guidelines if they do choose to burn:
- Always attend fires and have a means to extinguish them nearby.
- Keep fires small and manageable.
- Maintain at least 25 feet of clearance from vegetation and structures.
- Burning is limited to natural vegetation only; burning of trash or yard waste collected by municipal services, including in Asheville, is prohibited.
Before lighting a fire, residents can check daily burn status by calling the Open Burning Hotline at 828-250-6767. Fire officials say following these precautions helps protect property and emergency personnel responding to fires.
