WNC wildfire grows: Collett Ridge fire grows to over 3 square miles, no containment

Will Hofmann, Asheville Citizen Times
·3 min read

A wildfire in Western North Carolina has continued to grow over the weekend — tripling in size in two days.

The U.S. Forest Service and North Carolina Forest Service have provided an update on the Collett Ridge fire, 4 miles south of Andrews in the Cherokee County area of Nantahala National Forest. The fire has grown to 2,158 acres — around 3.4 square miles — and there is currently 0% containment, according to the Nov. 6 update.

The Citizen Times reported that the fire was caused by a lightning strike on Oct. 23.

A total of 110 personnel were reported to be on the scene, including two 20-person hand crews, nine engines, two helicopters, one air attack platform and overhead personnel.

On Nov. 4, 2023, a wildfire continued to spread across Collett Ridge, according to the U.S. Forest Service and North Carolina Forest Service. The fire reportedly began on Oct. 23 in the Nantahala National Forest, caused by a lighting strike.
On Nov. 4, 2023, a wildfire continued to spread across Collett Ridge, according to the U.S. Forest Service and North Carolina Forest Service. The fire reportedly began on Oct. 23 in the Nantahala National Forest, caused by a lighting strike.

The U.S. Forest Service and North Carolina Forest Service statement reads:

"Yesterday firefighters completed firing operations to the north of the fire along Rattlesnake Ridge to Rattlesnake Knob. A dozer line was completed from Shinbone Ridge to Long Branch and tied into the Rim Trail to the east of the fire near the Macon and Cherokee County line. Drought conditions continued and fire activity increased throughout the fire area resulting in additional growth on all sides of the fire.

"An additional 20-person hand crew arrived to the incident and will provide support maintaining handline to the north of the fire near communities. Firefighters will continue firing operations south of Lord’s Way. A dozer will begin creating a containment line to the west of the fire from Living Waters Drive to Snider Creek Road."

No structures have been lost as a result of the fire. No injuries have been reported as a result of the fire.

The Rim Trail is temporarily closed for approximately 7 miles from Big Stump to Shinbone. There are no road or area closures at this time, but the USFS recommends the public avoid the area so fire crews and resources can work safely.

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The U.S. Forest Service and North Carolina Forest Service have reported that a fire that began on Oct. 23 has continued to spread across the Collett Ridge on Nov. 4
The U.S. Forest Service and North Carolina Forest Service have reported that a fire that began on Oct. 23 has continued to spread across the Collett Ridge on Nov. 4

As of Nov. 6, the National Weather Service has issued air quality warnings for Cherokee, Clay, Macon, Swain, Jackson, Haywood and Transylvania counties. Active children, adults and people with a respiratory disease, such as asthma, are recommended to limit prolonged outdoor exertion.

U.S. Forest Service and North Carolina Forest Service reported: "Drought conditions continue, mostly sunny, temperatures in the high 60’s, low humidity, and low winds. Winds are expected out of the north moving south. These dry conditions are expected to increase fire activity across the fire area."

Due to increased fire risk, the N.C. Forest Service has issued a ban on all open burning and has canceled all burning permits for Burke, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Graham, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain and Transylvania counties effective 5 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 5, until further notice. Rain is not expected for days.

National Weather Service Meteorologist Doug Outlaw said that the Asheville area is not expected to receive rain until Nov. 10, but current projections show no more than a tenth of an inch dropping in the area. Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Robbinsville area are expected to see a similar amount.

Outlaw compared the trend to previous droughts in the region.

"Unfortunately, the rain events we see tend to dry up before they are able to produce any appreciable rain," Outlaw said.

Regional fire departments are actively addressing a separate incident in WNC.

In Henderson County, the Poplar Drive Fire burning in the Edneyville community is 250 acres and 5% contained, according to the North Carolina Forest Service. As of Nov. 5 it had destroyed two homes and damaged part of another.

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Will Hofmann is the Growth and Development Reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Got a tip? Email him at WHofmann@citizentimes.com.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: WNC wildfire grows: Collett Ridge blaze grows; no containment yet