ASHEVILLE, NC (December 6, 2016)…All fires in western North Carolina are 100 percent contained, except Camp Branch and Rock Mountain Fires, which remain active at this time.
Containment efforts by firefighters on Camp Branch and Rock Mountain Fires are on hold due to the rain. When it is safe to do so, fire crews will continue to mop up and secure containment lines, moving to 100 percent containment.
The U.S. Forest Service has lifted fire restrictions on the Nantahala, Pisgah, and Uwharrie National Forests. Although campfires are allowed, visitors are asked to be careful with fire.
Fire crews remain across the region to assist local units with post-fire repair efforts. Crews are working closely with Resource Advisors to reduce or eliminate the possibility of erosion and sedimentation resulting from fire suppression activities such as fire lines, reopened roads and other disturbed areas.
Longer term plans for restoration are in the works. The National Forests in North Carolina assembled a Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) assessment team to analyze post-fire condition of national forest lands burned this fall. Fire on the landscape can have both positive and negative effects on the forest. The BAER team identifies areas of high fire intensity that may need further monitoring or active restoration to protect water quality or forest health.
The BAER team is compiling reports that will identify immediate and emergency actions to address post-fire risks to people, property, and cultural and natural resources. High intensity wildfire can increase the risk of flooding, erosion, and sedimentation. Other potential hazards include debris flow, reduced water quality, invasive plants, or falling trees and rocks. The BAER team report will contain an assessment of watershed pre- and post-fire response, areas of concern, values-at-risk, and recommended short-term emergency stabilization treatments.
The U.S. Forest Service thanks all the communities of western North Carolina for their support throughout this challenging fire season. We are honored to serve you and look forward to continuing to work together as we repair the fire damage and return to normal activities.
The North Carolina Joint Information Center has closed. Information that was posted about the area fires on Center’s blog remains available at http://ncjic.blogspot.com. Follow the National Forests in North Carolina on Facebook (www.facebook.com/nfsnc) or Twitter (twitter.com/NFsNCarolina) for more news and features.
Photograph courtesy of Steve Ohnesorge.