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, and Locust Cove #2 Fire Updates

December 12, 2023

Asheville, NC- Weekend rains have helped firefighters working to contain the Black Bear, Clear Creek and Locust Cove #2 Fires burning on the Pisgah National Forest. 

Approximately 3” of rain fell over the Locust Cove #2 Fire, enabling firefighters to increase containment to 95%. The fire has burned 180 acres in the Sunnyvale area of McDowell County, on the Grandfather Ranger District. The Clear Creek Fire, two miles to the south, is now 100% contained, after burning 124 acres.

Approximately 1.7” of rain fell over the Black Bear Fire, which is 90% contained. The fire has burned 2008 acres in Haywood County, on the Appalachian Ranger District. 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.

While rains have decreased fire activity, Western North Carolina is still in our worst drought since 2017. Heavy fuels, such as downed trees, continue to hold heat, and with dry, sunny weather returning, fires could reignite. Today crews will be monitoring the fires and checking for any residual smoke from hot spots.