8 NC wildfires still burning over 7,600+ acres; 2 of largest caused by downed powerlines
COLUMBUS, N.C. (WNCN/AP) — In North Carolina, at least eight fires are still burning in the mountains.
Two of the three largest wildfires were caused by downed powerlines, officials say.
The North Carolina Forest Service reported Saturday morning that 458 crews were working to fight the fires.
Firefighting crews from across North Carolina and 14 other states are involved in the effort, the N.C. Forest Service said.
The largest — the Black Cove Fire and the Deep Woods Fire in Polk County — were becoming more contained.
As of Saturday morning, the Black Cove Fire is 3,410 acres in size and 23 percent contained.
The Black Cove Fire was first reported March 19. The cause was determined to be a downed powerline.
As of Saturday morning, the Deep Woods Fire is 3,797 acres in size and 32 percent contained. The fire is burning approximately 5 miles northwest of Columbus in timber on state-owned and private land in the Green River Gorge and in the neighboring Holbert Cove community.
The Fish Hook Fire is 199 acres in size and 95% contained. It is burning approximately 5 miles northwest of Mill Spring on private land near Lake Adger.
The cause of this fire was determined to be a downed powerline.
Effective 8 a.m. Friday, March 21, a ban on all open burning was issued statewide. All burning permits are canceled. No new permits are being issued. The ban remains in effect until further notice.
And while the three largest fires have received the most attention, the wildfire season has already been busy thanks to a drought and Hurricane Helene six months ago knocking down millions of trees.
The fallen trees act as fuel and block firefighters trying to get to blazes.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
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