Full Notification

Rain Moderates North Fork Fire

644 Acres, 60% Contained

NEBO, N.C. (Feb. 1, 2025) – The North Fork Fire grew in size yesterday before receiving half an inch of rain overnight. The fire is now 60% contained at 644 acres. The North Fork fire is burning in areas of heavy damage from Hurricane Helene near the Woodlawn Community in McDowell County, NC. The fire is located on Graveyard Mountain, east of Highway 221 and south of American Thread Road along the cliffs above the North Fork of the Catawba River in the U.S. Forest Service Grandfather Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest.

Yesterday, firefighters took advantage of good weather to complete burnout operations. Much of the increase in fire size was due to these controlled, firefighting operations within the established containment lines. Rain arrived late in the afternoon. Precipitation totals on the fire reached half an inch, more than predicted, but not enough to fully extinguish the fire. Portions of the fire are sheltered in areas of extreme hurricane damage. These large piles of trees burned with high intensity, are now holding residual heat. 

Today, firefighters are taking advantage of last night's rain and lower fire intensity to put out remaining hotspots near the fire line. Fire managers are monitoring the interior of the fire to see if the hot spots light back up in the dry conditions that are predicted over the weekend. Smoke is still expected, but should be limited to interior burning within the containment lines. Smoke impacts to communities around the fire are expected to be minimal, and air quality should improve.  

Approximately 100 personnel from the U.S. Forest Service, North Carolina Forest Service, McDowell County Emergency Management, and Woodlawn Fire Department are on the ground assisting with the North Fork Fire today. No structures are at risk at this time. 

The Mountains to Sea Trail between Hwy 221 and FSR 106, Bald Mountain Road (FSR 150) and Graveyard Mountain Road (FSR 149) remain closed for the safety of the public and firefighters. Recreationists are asked to avoid the area. 

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.