National Forests in North Carolina

U.S. Forest Service News Release

Media Contact: Jenifer Bunty

828-767-5399

[email protected]

www.fs.usda.gov/nfsnc

Locust Cove Fire #2 Update

Approx. 150-200 acres  | 10% containment 

Nebo, NC, December 1, 2023 - The Locust Cove #2 Fire is now estimated at 150-200 acres. The fire is burning near Highway 80 in the Sunnyvale area of McDowell County. Containment is at 10%. The fire began on Nov. 29 within the fire scar of the Locust Cove wildfire (March 2023). Rain and increased humidity have kept fire activity and intensity low. The U.S. Forest Service and N.C. Forest Service has established a unified command in close coordination with McDowell County Emergency Management.

Firefighting efforts yesterday were focused on slowing the head of the fire and protecting private property. Burnout operations were successful in securing the area around private homes and preventing the fire from moving onto private lands. Today, the fire is moving westward into the National Forest and firefighters are working to establish containment lines. More than 80 firefighters are responding and will continue to prioritize securing homes and private property. No structures have been damaged or lost to date.

Smoke from Locust Cove #2 and the Clear Creek Fire is drifting throughout the area. Travelers in the Highway 80 corridor (locally known as Buck Creek Road), should proceed with caution, particularly in the evenings and mornings when smoke may settle.

 

View of smoke from the Locust Cove #2 wildfire as seen from Buck Gap Overlook on Nov. 30, 2023.

Photo Credit: Nicholas Larson, USFS.