Jumping Branch Fire Update for April 2, 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: 75 Containment: 80%
A very light sprinkle of rain fell over the Jumping Branch fire yesterday. As a result of successful suppression actions taken by firefighters, containment on the Jumping Branch fire increased to 80%. As containment increases, fire crews are being released or reassigned to new wildfires.
Today (Thursday) firefighters will continue extinguishing hot spots near the fire’s edge, securing the perimeter. In addition, ground crews are engaging in suppression repair actions, such as returning hand and machine-built control lines to a more natural state. Aircraft conducted a reconnaissance mission this morning, providing fire managers with an aerial view of the fire’s footprint. Aerial resources are available to assist ground crews as needed.
Downed branches and other heavy forest fuels will continue to burn within the interior of the fire area causing smoke to 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/.../marion-woman-charged-causing....
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
Mostly sunny and warm conditions are forecast over the fire area for most of the day. There is a 20 percent chance of afternoon thunderstorms, and they could be accompanied by gusty, outflow winds and lightning. High temperatures will hover around 80 degrees. Relative humidity levels will be near 50% and the winds will be light with gusts possible in the afternoon. 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
Firefighter walking a Jumping Branch fire line - Photo by Allyson Pokrzywinski
