Wildfire in Nantahala National Forest spreads: 677 acres, no containment

A wildfire that ignited more than a week ago has continued to spread across the Collett Ridge in Western North Carolina.

The U.S. Forest Service and North Carolina Forest Service have provided an update on the Collett Ridge fire, four miles south of Andrews in the Nantahala National Forest.

The Citizen Times reported that the fire was caused by a lightning strike on Oct. 23.

As of Nov. 4, the fire had consumed 677 acres and there was 0% containment.

A total of 68 personnel were reported to be on the scene, including one 20-person hand crew, nine engines, two helicopters, one air attack platform and overhead personnel.

On Nov. 4, 2023, a wildfire continued to spread across Collett Ridge, according to the U.S. Forest Service and North Carolina Forest Service. The fire reportedly began on Oct. 23 in the Nantahala National Forest, caused by a lighting strike.

The U.S. Forest Service and North Carolina Forest Service statement reads:

“Firefighters conducted firing operations yesterday to reduce risk to public safety and firefighters. Operations included applying fire to the landscape in order to reduce the amount of unburned vegetation between the fire and the communities to the north. This firing operation was conducted in a strategic area utilizing established containment lines. An inversion layer overnight caused the smoke from the firing operations to settle into the river valley. Fire activity and growth increased yesterday due to the dry conditions.

“The fire crossed the Rim Trail to the south and moved into a burn unit where the U.S. Forest Service conducted a prescribed burn this past March. The goal of that prescribed burn was to reduce hazardous fuels and reduce the risk of wildfire. As a result of the prescribed burn in the area, the fire is moving at slow pace and burning at a low intensity, with the primary fuel being the recent leaf fall.

“Today crews will continue with firing operations in the afternoon, as conditions allow, between the fire and the communities of Living Water and Bolden Creek. Burning operations will occur near Junaluska Road, public can expect to see increased smoke and firefighter traffic in the area, please avoid the area if possible.”

The Rim Trail is temporarily closed for approximately seven miles from Big Stump to Shinbone, according to the statement. No road or area closures were reported as of Saturday afternoon.

The U.S. Forest Service and North Carolina Forest Service have reported that a fire that began on Oct. 23 has continued to spread across the Collett Ridge on Nov. 4

The public is advised to avoid the area so fire crews and resources can work safely.

On the morning of Nov. 4, The National Weather Service issued a special weather statement warning of conditions that are likely to enhance wildfires across the region.

Read more: Wildfire in Nantahala National Forest continues to grow; 90 acres, no containment

NWS meteorologist Justin Lane said the Andrews area is experiencing “very dry air mass and severe drought conditions.”

U.S. Forest Service and North Carolina Forest Service reported: “Clear skies, humidity in the low teens, temperatures in the high 60’s, and light winds creating dry conditions. Valley winds are forecasted out of the west which will draw the smoke out and push it east. Strong inversions overnight are expected causing the smoke to settle in the valleys.”

This weekend, regional fire departments are actively addressing a separate incident in WNC.

Read more: Buncombe County issues burn ban amid windy and dry conditions

On Nov. 4, Edneyville Fire & Rescue and supporting area fire crews were battling a spreading brush fire in Edneyville in Henderson County that has called for home evacuations.

A Code Orange Air Quality Action Day was issued for Nov. 4 by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality for fine particulates in Cherokee County.

Active children, adults and people with a respiratory disease, such as asthma, are recommended to limit prolonged outdoor exertion.

Tiana Kennell is the food and dining reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at tkennell@citizentimes.com or follow her on Instagram @PrincessOfPage. Please support this type of journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Wildfire in Nantahala National Forest grows: 677 acres, no containment