Smoke from the North Fork Fire in McDowell County is leading to poor air quality across Western North Carolina. A Code Orange Air Quality Alert is in effect for Burke county until midnight. Thick smoke is affecting communities near North Cove, Woodlawn, Marion and Lake James. Cloud cover is keeping smoke trapped close to the ground worsening air quality. Breezy southwest winds will also carry smoke further into the region ahead of an approaching cold front.
Sensitive groups should limit time outdoors today. Air quality is expected to improve Saturday after rain and and a change in wind from Friday’s cold front helps clear the smoke.
As of the latest update from the The North Carolina Forest Service as of 7 p.m. Thursday, the fire has groen to 200 acres and is 20% contained. It is located near the Woodlawn community east of Highway 221 and south of the American Thread Road, with the majority of the fire burning in the Pisgah National Forest. 80 firefighters are working to contain the fire. Operations include controlled burns to remove fuel from the fire’s path.
The wildfire is burning in an area of heavy tree damage from Hurricane Helene, leading to higher smoke production than typical wildfires in the region. Large downed trees are smoldering longer causing extended smoke impacts.
No structures are currently threatened and no evacuations are in place. The fire’s cause remains under investigation.
Get the latest updates on the North Fork Fire and the latest updates on today’s rain with the WCCB Weather App.
