Jumping Branch Fire Update for March 31, 2026
Jumping Branch Fire
Grandfather Ranger District, Pisgah National Forest
Location: 8 miles northwest of Marion, North Carolina
Date Reported: 3/29/2026 Cause: Human
Size: 185 acres Total Personnel: 173 Containment: 20%
Firefighters continue to make progress and maintained yesterday’s 20 percent containment on the fire. Additional crews have arrived to engage in suppression work.
If weather and fuels conditions are suitable today, firefighters will continue working to increase containment by conducting strategic firing operations. These actions reduce unburned forest fuels from the area between the main fire and control lines along Sugar Cove and Sam’s Creek to the north and Locust Cove to the south. Crews will use drip torches, and an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) to conduct aerial ignitions, helping to keep fire intensity low. Aircraft will continue to support ground crews by monitoring their progress from above and with water and/or suppressant drops.
Smoke will be visible from the communities of Buck Creek, Marion, and surrounding areas.
The Jumping Branch fire is burning in an area heavily affected by Hurricane Helene, where an extensive number of downed trees are contributing to increased wildfire intensity and risk.
The cause of the wildfire has been determined to be improperly discarded smoking material that occurred on private property Sunday, March 29. Read the full news release: https://www.ncagr.gov/news/press-releases/2026/03/31/marion-woman-charged-causing-wildfire-currently-burning-mcdowell-county.
Unified Command of the fire is established between the U.S. Forest Service, North Carolina Forest Service (state agency), McDowell County Emergency Management, and PG Fire & Rescue. Several Volunteer Fire Departments from McDowell and surrounding counties are also engaged in the firefighting efforts.
Closures: Drivers should avoid NC-80 in the Buck Creek area. Firefighters are working along roadways and smoke is impacting visibility. Check current road conditions at https://drivenc.gov/.
A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) has been implemented over the Jumping Branch Fire area. For the safety of firefighters and aviation resources, no drones or aircraft are permitted in the area. Pilots in the area should check the NOTAMs and follow all directions for both public and firefighter safety. If you fly, we can’t!
