WNC wildfires: 90% containment on Poplar Fire, no growth for Collett Ridge Fire

ASHEVILLE – Crews have continued to make progress on containing two of the largest current wildfires in Western North Carolina, while the state is still under a state of emergency due to moderate-to-severe drought causing increased fire risk, as announced by Gov. Roy Cooper.

As of Nov. 14, 622 fires have burned on state and private lands in North Carolina since Nov. 1, according to the N.C. Forest Service.

Both the Collett Ridge Fire in the Nantahala National Forest and the Poplar Drive Fire in Henderson County increased in containment over the previous day, with Collett Ridge up to 71% from 55% and Poplar Drive up to 90% from 75%, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

However, crews working the still 434-acre Poplar Drive Fire said there is still some heat showing along the top ridge, which crews will continue working to abate Nov. 14, according to Facebook post from Edneyville Fire and Rescue.

More: Hendersonville vineyard owner describes Poplar Drive Fire, community response

“As today gets some warmer (temperatures) and humidity drops, there is still some potential to see some areas pop up,” the post said. “If you see any areas that concern you, please make sure to let us know. The N.C. Forest Service will continue to have a strong presence in the area.”

One home, two cabins and three outbuildings have been lost, while another home sustained damage. Area homes remain threatened, according to a Nov. 13 news release. Two firefighters sustained minor injuries, and both were treated and released. Four minor motor vehicle accidents have been reported with no injuries.

More: Where are the wildfires in WNC? Check out this map.

Last update: Nov. 13 fire update: Firefighters make strides, no growth in Collett Ridge, Poplar fires

Collett Ridge Fire

The fire, which a lightning strike first started Oct. 23 in the Cherokee County area of the Nantahala National Forest, has stopped growing since Nov. 11, holding steady at 5,335 acres, about 8.3 square miles.

About 275 personnel assigned to the fire will continue to improve containment lines Nov. 14 and perform mop-up operations, such as extinguishing any lingering hotspots, according to an update from the U.S. Forest Service. Hand lines around the perimeter of the fire have been completed, helping increase containment.

On Nov. 13, a helicopter made multiple water drops over hotspots west of Collett Ridge, according to the release.

State of emergency: North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper declares state of emergency as wildfires burn in mountains

“Firefighters will reduce forest fuels around residences in the area between Genesis Lane and Bear Dog Drive as a protection measure, with plans to continue residential fire fuels reduction work south of Pisgah Road to the McClelland Creek Road and Snider Road area, and along the south side of Junaluska Road towards Junaluska Baptist Church,” the release said.

The top layer of surface fuels has become dry, “allowing limited fire spread potential where a heat source is present,” The U.S. Forest Service said. Isolated smoldering is expected until the area receives sufficient precipitation.

Dry, high pressure is setting over the region as a layer of high-level cloudiness filters the sunshine, creating partial-to-full shading, according to the forest service.

“The airmass is very dry, so the humidity may still bottom out in the 20% range,” the release said. “Humidity recovery along the ridges tonight will also be poor.”

Campsite closure: Backcountry campsites for 9 NC state parks closed due to increased fire risk

Weather conditions are expected to be dry until late on Nov. 15, when there’s a 20%-30% chance of rain for most of the southern mountains from Cherokee to Hendersonville, according to meteorologist Doug Outlaw with the National Weather Service. There’s a 30% chance of rain for the entire mountain region during the day Nov. 17 and into the night.

“Amounts will still be rather minimal, with trace amounts up to a hundredth of an inch late Wednesday and Thursday,” Outlaw told the Citizen Times Nov. 13. “The best possibility of any measurable rain is Friday morning in the area of Cashiers to Brevard. Some areas may get close to a quarter of an inch.”

Most of the fire behavior continues to be isolated smoldering, and smoldering leaf litter may kindle into a flame with little wind or sunshine, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

The U.S. Forest Service has closed the area from Big Stamp east to Shinbone Ridge and Signal Bald for the safety of the public and firefighters, the release said. The intersection of Little Fires Creek Road and Fires Creek Road is also closed. The Rim Trail is temporarily closed for approximately 7 miles from Big Stamp to Shinbone.

Other fire updates

The East Fork Fire in Jackson County increased to 310 acres but is now at 100% containment as of Nov. 14, according to the N.C. Forest Service.

The fire, which began Nov. 4, is on a mix of public and private lands, U.S. Forest Service spokesperson Adrianna Rubiaco previously told the Citizen Times.

“There were structures threatened, but only one ended up needed protection and there were no damages," Rubiaco said.

N.C. Forest Service, U.S. Forest Service and the Savannah Volunteer Fire Department have been dispatched to the scene.

• The Alum Knob Fire in Madison County is currently 36 acres and 50% contained. Firefighters will be reinforcing containment lines constructed over the weekend, according to a N.C. Forest Service news release.

• The Elk Creek Fire in Watauga is 225 acres and 90% contained as of Nov. 14. Some minimal smoldering has been detected in the interior of the fire, according to the N.C. Forest Service. The fire began Nov. 8, and the cause is still under investigation.

• The Tripplett Fire in Wilkes County, which also started Nov. 8 and is under investigation to determine a cause, is at 107 acres and 90% contained, according to the release. No homes were damaged or destroyed by the fire.

• The Branch Fire in Wilkes County is currently 80 acres and 65% contained, with three structures threatened by the blaze. The fire was first detected No. 9, and its cause is under investigation.

Burn bans are in effect across WNC. The Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park have backcountry campfire bans in place. Backcountry campsites are closed in nine N.C. state parks.

See a map of fires burning across Western North Carolina at https://data.citizen-times.com/fires.

Ryley Ober is the Public Safety Reporter for Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at rober@gannett.com and follow her on Twitter @ryleyober

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Crews increase containment on WNC fires, no growth for Poplar, Collett