The fire that started yesterday afternoon in Sylva in the Montieith and Kitchens Branch community is still going but contained.
Jackson County Emergency Management Facebook update says that as of of 10 a.m., the Kitchens Branch Fire is 94 acres and the fire is 60% contained. Firefighters from state, federal, county and the town are working on the containment. The Sylva Herald posted update on their Facebook page that according to the Sylva Fire Department, the containment area is 83-85 acres.
“There is a line around the fire. One structure is threatened but protected. Multiple firefighters, engines, and other resources are improving fire lines. Firefighters will conduct a burnout today. Expect to see smoke.”
A state N.C. Forest Service, and federal USFS contract helicopter is dropping water on hot spots and conduct a reconnaissance flight. Wildfires are a no-drone zone. JCEM is asking the public to stay out of the area for public and firefighter safety.
No evacuation orders are in place at this time but people are encouraged to continue to monitor changing conditions. Contact the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office for current evacuations.
JCEM is encouraging the community to sign up for CodeRED alerts at https://tinyurl.com/mtu8jzwd
There are several active fires in Western North Carolina. The Alarka fire in Swain County remains active and uncontained. Swain County Emergency Management reports it “burned 911 acres as it advances toward Frye Mountain, Shephard’s Creek, and Conley’s Creek. Two structures have been damaged. Evacuations are currently in effect for Long Creek, Alarka Highlands, and Unahala Creek.”
Crews from multiple local, state, federal, and tribal agencies are working together around the clock to protect lives, property, and natural resources.
The fires in Haywood, Buncombe, Polk and Transylvania are still active. North Carolina National Forest has an interactive map to follow active fires in the state. The N.C. Forest Service issued a statewide ban on all outdoor open burning and canceled all burning permits starting Friday, March 21. The ban remains in place.
