Wildfire burning near Sylva, NC

The Dick’s Creek Fire burning on the Nantahala National Forest and private land near Sylva, NC, is estimated at 200-250 acres. The fire is located to the southeast of Dick’s Creek Road. Firefighters are building hand and dozer lines and a helicopter is dropping water. Firefighters are also working to clear brush and leaves away from homes and other structures along Dick’s Creek.

Drivers on US 74 will encounter smoke near Sylva. Smoke is expected to settle in to the valley near Sylva tonight.

The fire was discovered on Sunday morning, October 24, 2016; the cause is under investigation. Crews on scene are from the U.S. Forest Service, North Carolina Forest Service, Emergency Management from Jackson County, and Bureau of Land Management Lakeview, Oregon.

 

Update October 25, 2015

The Dicks Creek Fire burning on the Nantahala National Forest and private land near Sylva, NC, is now 60 percent contained at 374 acres.

The fire is located to the southeast of Dicks Creek Road. All hand and dozer lines have been constructed. Firefighters are engaged in holding and burnout operations. Local fire departments are on scene to provide protection to homes and other structures along Dicks Creek.

Dicks Creek Road is open only to local residents. Others are asked to stay away from the area for firefighter and public safety.

 

Update October 26, 2015

Smoke along US 74 near Sylva may become more visible this afternoon as temperatures increase and heavy fuels continue to burn within the fire line perimeter. The fire is burning in steep, rocky terrain on private lands and federal lands under the management of the Nantahala National Forest. Ground crews are on patrol, mitigating hot spots and hazard trees near the fire line. Approximately 76 personnel are on the incident from the U.S. Forest Service, North Carolina Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management (Lakeview, Oregon), Jackson County Emergency Management and Jackson County Sheriff’s Department.

The public is asked to be considerate of incident vehicles and personnel in the area and to avoid the use of drones in the fire area. Drones could interfere with air attack resources that are on standby.

Severe drought and high fire danger continue.

 

Update October 27, 2016

Firefighters made significant progress along the fire perimeter yesterday, gridding for hot spots and using engine hose lays to spray nearly 8,000 gallons of water on smoking fuels along containment lines. Work today will focus along dozer lines on the east side of the fire area where crews will be extinguishing hot spots and taking care of hazard trees near the fire line. Patrol and monitoring will continue along Dicks Creek Road.

Gusty winds are expected today with a hazardous weather outlook that could produce storms and/or lightning. Incident Commander Greg Brooks told firefighters during morning briefing, “We may not see any rain – lightning will be the main threat.”

Fire Behavior: Minimal fire, smoldering, large trees well within the fire area may continue to smoke for weeks. 374 acres, 80% contained.

 

Update October 28, 2016

Fire Behavior: Minimal fire, smoldering, large trees well within the fire area may continue to smoke for weeks

Local events are expected to draw high visitation over the weekend. The public is asked to be aware of high fire danger while enjoying area activities. Effective October 28, 2016, the following fire restrictions are in place for the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests until further notice: Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire is NOT ALLOWED outside of developed campgrounds where a fee is paid.

 

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