W. North Carolina forest fire

Firefighters are said to have made progress on containing the Buck Knob Fire burning on the Nantahala Ranger District southwest of Franklin, NC. The fire is burning in Macon County off Old NC 64. The fire is currently estimated at 225 acres and 50% contained.  Crews completed containment lines Wednesday night and this morning and are working to finish burn out operations to remove any remaining fuel between the wildfire and the lines. A helicopter will be assisting with operations today. Fire officials expect to have the fire fully contained at sunset this evening at 243 acres. The Appalachian Trail has reopened from Wallace Gap to Winding Stair Gap. Old NC 64 remains closed from Wallace Gap to Poplar Cove Road and is expected to reopen this evening. Agencies responding to the fire include the U.S. Forest Service, the North Carolina Forest Service, Macon County Emergency Management, and the West Macon Volunteer Fire Department. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, however, the Forest Service suspects a human caused the fire.

 

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