National Forests in North Carolina

Forest Service News Release

Media Contact: Jenifer Bunty

828-767-5399

[email protected]

www.fs.usda.gov/nfsnc

Locust Cove Fire #2 Update

 U.S. Forest Service begins burnout operations

Approx. 130 acres  | 0% containment 

Nebo, NC, November 30, 2023 - Firefighters have continued working throughout the day to contain the Locust Cove #2 Fire, currently estimated at 130 acres with 0% containment. The U.S. Forest Service began burnout operations today to reduce fuels and protect private lands and homes adjacent to the wildfire. The increased acreage is primarily due to burnout operations.

More than 60 firefighters from the U.S. Forest Service and the N.C. Forest Service are working under a unified command to clear firelines that were established in the Locust Cove Fire (March 2023). A helicopter crew completed several water-drops to slow progression of the head of the fire. Crews are also responding to a second fire, the Clear Creek Fire, burning near Locust Cove. Updates on the Clear Creek Fire will be available soon.

Travelers in the Highway 80 corridor (locally known as Buck Creek Road), should proceed with caution. Smoke from both fires is drifting through the area and may settle overnight impacting roadways and communities in Marion and McDowell Counties this evening and tomorrow morning.

The Locust Cove #2 Fire was reported to the North Carolina Forest Service at 4 p.m. on Nov. 29. The cause of the wildfire remains under investigation. Initial reports estimated the fire at 10 acres. Fire intensity remained low throughout the day. Rain and increased humidity are predicted for tomorrow and are expected to keep fire activity low.