'Do not delay': Evacuation ordered due to forest fire on Sheepback Mountain

Apr. 4—An immediate evacuation notice was issued to residents in the Sheepback Mountain area above Maggie Valley around 3 p.m. Monday due to a forest fire.

Fire departments from across the county have been pouring in to assist Maggie Valley Fire Department with the response.

Firefighters are currently focused on keeping the fire away from homes and structures as the fire moves across the mountain. One strategy being deployed is to soak the perimeter of the home so the fire passes around it.

An evacuation shelter has been set up at Calvary Baptist Church in Maggie Valley for anyone in need of somewhere to stay safe from the fire's path.

Maggie Valley Fire Department is the lead agency, with mutual aid being provided so far from Jonathan Creek, Crabtree, Fines Creek, Junulaska, Clyde and Waynesville. The N.C. Forest Service is also assisting with helicopter air support.

The evacuation notice affects residents of Pless Underwood Road in Maggie Valley and the feeder roads that lie above it.

"We are asking folks who live in that area to leave their home immediately. Do no delay," said Allison Richmond, public information officer for Haywood Emergency Services.

Sheepback Mountain lies at the far end of Maggie Valley, just past the turn off for Cataloochee Ski Area, and rises up toward the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The evacuation notice was sent via Haywood Emergency text alerts. First responders are also working to notify residents at risk from the spreading fire.

Thick smoke was blanketing much of Haywood County as of Monday afternoon due to the fire, including small floating particulates of ash in some areas.

Stay tuned for developing coverage on the fire.