Full Notification

North Fork Fire Update - Sunday 2/2/2025

There was minimal fire activity on the North Fork Fire yesterday afternoon. The fire remains at 644 acres and has increased to 65% containment. 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 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, minimal smoking was visible in the interior of the fire area. Pockets of smoldering large trees in Hurricane Helene damaged areas of the burn continued to hold heat. Light rain this morning decreased smoke, however, as conditions clear this afternoon, some smoke may be seen again from the interior of the fire area. Firefighters are continuing to patrol.

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.