National Forests in North Carolina

U.S. Forest Service News Release

Media Contact: Jamie Keller

202-505-0674

[email protected]

www.fs.usda.gov/nfsnc

Black Bear, Clear Creek Fire, and Locust Cove #2 Fire Updates

December 8, 2023

Asheville, NC- Firefighters are primarily monitoring and patrolling the Black Bear, Clear Creek, and Locust Cove #2 Fires burning on the Pisgah National Forest, ahead of an expected weather event this weekend. 

The Black Bear Fire has burned 2008 acres in Haywood County, on the Appalachian Ranger District. The fire is currently 90% contained, with an estimated containment date of December 13. There are currently 43 firefighters responding, mainly working on improving firelines. Smoke impacts are currently low. The section of the Appalachian Trail between I-40 and Brown Gap Road remains closed. Brown Gap Road, NFSR#148A is also closed for public safety.

The Clear Creek and the Locust Cove #2 Fires are currently burning approximately two miles from each other in the Sunnyvale area of McDowell County. Fire activity on the Clear Creek Fire has been light over the past few days, remaining at 124 acres with containment increasing to 90%. Consequently, the incident management team has transferred management responsibility of the fire back to the local unit, the Grandfather Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest. This will be the last update on the Clear Creek Fire unless there are significant changes.

The Locust Cove #2 Fire, still managed under a unified command between the U.S. Forest Service and the N.C. Forest Service, is 60% contained and 180 acres. Crews continue patrolling firelines and eliminating hotspots, focusing on the west side of the fire. There are currently approximately 34 personnel working the fire.

Expect rain ahead of an approaching cold front from Saturday through Sunday, with thunderstorms more likely on Sunday. The storm may result in strong wind gusts across the mountains.