MARS HILL, NC (October 5, 2016)…The 45-acre Elk River Fire is burning on U.S. Forest Service land on top of Little Pine Mountain in Avery County, NC, near the Tennessee state line.
The fire is creeping and smoking and is expected to grow in size with dry, windy conditions forecasted over the next few days. It is currently only in North Carolina but it is expected to eventually reach Tennessee within containment lines.
Firefighters from the National Forests in North Carolina, Cherokee National Forest, North Carolina Forest Service, and Elk Park Volunteer Fire Department are on scene and creating hand lines in the area.
The fire began around 5 pm on October 4 on the Appalachian Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest and was approximately 20 acres when discovered.
For firefighter and public safety, the public is asked to stay away from the fire area.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
