NEBO, N.C. (WNCT) — Officials fighting the forest fire that broke out near Grandfather Mountain say the fire is now 80% contained.
On Saturday, officials released new details about the Lost Cove Fire, saying rain and humid conditions have helped fight the fire. which has burned an estimated 1,000 acres.
“The fire has burned to the containment lines throughout much of the fire area, and only minimal interior hot spots remain where large, downed trees continue to burn,” officials said in a press release on Saturday.
“Firefighters are continuing to monitor the fire throughout the weekend. The public can expect to see a small amount of smoke interior to the fire area, especially in the afternoons as warm temperatures dry the fuels. At this time, there are no concerns for the fire escaping the containment area. This will be the last operational update for the Lost Cove Fire.”
The fire started on Christmas Eve and has been burning in the Wilson Creek area on the US Forest Service Grandfather Ranger District in Avery County. Officials said in the press release that the fire began in a remote part of the Lost Cove Wilderness Study Area near Bee Mountain. Firefighters rushed to protect six homes in the Roseboro community. No buildings have been damaged or destroyed, fire officials said.
“Much of the 1,000-acre fire area burned with low intensity, removing leaf litter and fuels and minimizing loss of overstory trees,” officials said.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. More details on the fire can be found on the National Forest of North Carolina Facebook page.
, Darkside Cliffs Trail (TR #272), Lost Cove Loop Trail (TR #262) and the Timber Ridge Trail (TR #261), including the sections of the Mountains to Sea Trail that follow Gragg Prong between Roseboro and Pineola Roads. Closures will remain in place at least through the weekend, and an additional update will be provided when fire managers lift the closure. 12 firefighters from the US Forest Service remain on scene this weekend. The response effort is supported by local fire departments from Collettsville and Linville, as well as the North Carolina Forest Service. We would like to extend gratitude to all the firefighters who responded over Christmas, New Years, and throughout the holidays, as well as their families and friends who sacrificed time with loved ones. The cause of the Lost Cove Fire remains under investigation. Follow the National Forests in North Carolina on Facebook for updates: www.facebook.com/nfsnc Lost Cove Fire Map: fseprd983561.jpg (5100×6600) (usda.gov)){kind=link}