A wildfire that ignited more than a week ago has continued to spread across the Collett Ridge in Western North Carolina.
The U.S. Forest Service and North Carolina Forest Service have provided an update on the Collett Ridge fire, four miles south of Andrews in the Nantahala National Forest. The Citizen-Times reported that the fire was caused by a lightning strike on Oct. 23, 2023.
Personnel at scene
As of Nov. 4, 2023, the fire had consumed 677 acres and there was 0% containment. A total of 68 personnel were reported to be on the scene, including one 20-person hand crew, nine engines, two helicopters, one air attack platform, and overhead personnel.
firing operations
This firing operation was conducted in a strategic area utilizing established containment lines"
The U.S. Forest Service and North Carolina Forest Service statement reads, “Firefighters conducted firing operations yesterday to reduce risk to public safety and firefighters. Operations included applying fire to the landscape in order to reduce the amount of unburned vegetation between the fire and the communities to the north."
"This firing operation was conducted in a strategic area utilizing established containment lines. An inversion layer overnight caused the smoke from the firing operations to settle into the river valley. Fire activity and growth increased yesterday due to the dry conditions."
the goal of that prescribed burn
"The fire crossed the Rim Trail to the south and moved into a burn unit where the U.S. Forest Service conducted a prescribed burn this past March. The goal of that prescribed burn was to reduce hazardous fuels and reduce the risk of wildfire. As a result of the prescribed burn in the area, the fire is moving at a slow pace and burning at a low intensity, with the primary fuel being the recent leaf fall."
Burning operations
The public can expect to see increased smoke and firefighter traffic in the area, please avoid the area"
"The crews will continue with firing operations in the afternoon, as conditions allow, between the fire and the communities of Living Water and Bolden Creek. Burning operations will occur near Junaluska Road, the public can expect to see increased smoke and firefighter traffic in the area, please avoid the area if possible.”
The Rim Trail is temporarily closed for approximately seven miles from Big Stump to Shinbone, according to the statement. No road or area closures were reported as of Saturday afternoon. The public is advised to avoid the area so fire crews and resources can work safely.
weather statement
On the morning of Nov. 4, The National Weather Service issued a special weather statement warning of conditions that are likely to enhance wildfires across the region. NWS meteorologist Justin Lane said the Andrews area is experiencing “very dry air mass and severe drought conditions.”
U.S. Forest Service and North Carolina Forest Service reported, “Clear skies, humidity in the low teens, temperatures in the high 60s, and light winds creating dry conditions. Valley winds are forecasted out of the west which will draw the smoke out and push it east. Strong inversions overnight are expected causing the smoke to settle in the valleys.”