Four new forest fires were reported in Western North Carolina Thursday.
According to the organization National Forests in North Carolina, firefighters and aircraft have responded to four new fires in the Nantahala National Forest.
“Two of the fires were quickly suppressed and firefighters are working to contain the remaining two,” spokeswoman Jenifer Bunty said. “Fire restrictions are in place on all four National Forests in North Carolina.”
The Sawmill Branch Fire, located near Robbinsville, had involved 25 acres as of Friday and was only 5 percent contained. Forty firefighting personnel had been committed to the containment effort.
“Ground crews responded and several aircraft were brought in to assist with suppression actions,” Bunty said of the Sawmill Fire.
“The aircraft were effective in helping to cool the fire’s edge using water and retardant drops. The fire area received three tenths of an inch of rain overnight.”
The Flat Rattlesnake Fire is located near Highlands. It involves around 20 acres, and is 20 percent contained.
For comparison, the Poplar Fire that burned in Mitchell County in March grew to 370 acres before it was 90 percent contained.
Although most of the Western North Carolina wildfires have been contained, there is still a statewide burn ban in effect because of drought conditions. Mitchell County recently announced that it would begin issuing fines for people who violate the burn ban.
The burn ban applies to open fires within 100 feet of a dwelling. Cooking fires in grills are still permitted, but burning leaves and debris or starting bonfires is not.