Appalachian Trail closed from Interstate 40 to Max Patch
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Aerial photo of the Black Bear Fire, November 16, 2023.
Mars Hill, NC, November 16, 2023— Firefighters are currently responding to the Black Bear Fire located near Interstate 40 at mile marker 3, in Haywood County on the Appalachian Ranger District of the Pisgah National Forest. The fire is approximately 150 acres, burning in steep, rugged terrain and is 0% contained. The fire was reported around 9 a.m. today, November 16, the cause was a vehicle accident on Interstate 40. Currently there are no injuries reported.
The U.S. Forest Service and N.C. Forest Service are responding to the fire, personnel and equipment on the incident include air attack, air tankers, helicopters, a 20-person hand crew, and dozers. Aircraft are conducting retardant and water drops to slow the fire progression. Fire activity is very active, moving up a ridge through dry fuels.
Resources from the Southern Area Blue Team are being mobilized to the fire and will assume command once they arrive. The team is currently assigned to the Collett Ridge Fire in Cherokee County.
Closures: For public and firefighter safety, the Appalachian Trail is closed from Interstate 40 to Max Patch. Road closures are in effect for Cold Springs Road and Brown Mountain Road. Impacts to travel along Interstate 40 are expected. Check current road conditions at drivenc.gov.
Smoke: The public can expect to see smoke when driving along I-40 near the fire, today and through the night, use caution when driving in the area.
Burn Bans: The N.C. Forest Service has issued a ban on all open burning until further notice in several counties in western North Carolina. For more information visit https://www.ncforestservice.gov/fire_control/sit_report.htm
The U.S. Forest Service has implemented fire restrictions across the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests. To view the closure order visit www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/nfsnc/alerts-notices
Temporary Flight Restriction: A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the Black Bear Fire area. If you fly, we can’t. Aircraft or drone intrusions into the restricted airspace endangers aircrews conducting fire operations and aerial resources are grounded for safety. This unnecessarily places aircrews and ground fire crews at risk in a dynamic and dangerous fire environment.
For updates about the Collett Ridge Fire, please follow the National Forests in North Carolina at www.facebook.com/nfsnc for additional updates.