Jumping Branch Fire Update for April 1, 2026
Jumping Branch Fire
Grandfather Ranger District, Pisgah National Forest
Location: 8 miles northwest of Marion, North Carolina
Date Reported: 3/29/2026 Cause: Improperly discarded smoking material
Size: 420 acres Total Personnel: 173 Containment: 50%
Tuesday’s successful strategic firing operations increased containment on the Jumping Branch
fire to 50 percent. These actions reduce unburned forest fuels from the area between the main fire and the control lines. Firefighters held and maintained the control lines overnight.
Today (Wednesday), firefighters are working to extinguish hot spots near the fire’s edge and secure the perimeter. An Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) is using infrared imagery to aid firefighters in identifying areas of heat near the perimeter. This is an active fire with structures at risk, so crews and engines remain actively engaged. Aircraft will continue to support ground crews by monitoring their progress from above and with water and/or suppressant drops.
Rain is forecasted in the general area, but it is not likely to be enough to significantly reduce the fire risk. As downed branches and other heavy forest fuels continue to consume within the interior of the fire area, smoke will remain 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 from the NC Forest Service: 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 P.G. 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!
Air Quality
Smoke may affect nearby communities and roadways, especially in the evening and morning commutes. Use caution if driving in the area. For air quality information, visit fire.airnow.gov.
Weather
There is a chance of thunderstorms today and they could be accompanied by gusty, outflow winds. High temperatures will be in the low 80s. Relative humidity levels will be around 50% and the winds will be light. Dry vegetation conditions could still contribute to strong fire behavior.
For wildfire updates follow the National Forests in North Carolina on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nfsnc
Photo caption: K-Max Helicopter carrying a large bucket of water to the Jumping Branch Fire - photo by Matt Switzer
