Three wildfires were burning Monday in western North Carolina on an estimated 4,183 acres total.
The Sam Davis Road Fire, which has been burning since last week in Swain County, about 4 miles southwest of Bryson City, North Carolina, has prompted a state of emergency and several evacuation orders for residents.
An evacuation order for Dark Branch Road and Bobcat Trail remains in effect, Swain County Emergency Management said in a Facebook post Monday morning. Orders of evacuation for all other areas previously issued have been lifted.
The fire has burned roughly 350 acres as of Monday morning, officials said, and is 0% contained.
Emergency management officials said they are working to contain the fire with Sam Davis Road to the east, Lower Alarka Road on the south, Mountain Side Drive to the west and Potato Ridge on the north.
A heavy smoke advisory has been issued to residents in and around the county.
The county issued a state of emergency to go into effect at 5 p.m. April 19. Read the full proclamation here.
A shelter for those forced to evacuate is available at the Swain County Senior Center at 125 Brendle St. in Bryson City. Officials said pets are not allowed at this shelter.
Some roads may be closed to nonresident traffic to enable fire crews efficient access, authorities said.
Bee Rock Creek Fire
An evacuation order has been lifted for McDowell County residents as firefighters continue to battle the Bee Rock Creek Fire, authorities said.
Crews were working Monday to secure containment lines and monitor the fire’s edge.
The fire was estimated at 1,397 acres and was 27% contained, the U.S. Forest Service said Monday morning. More than 150 firefighters from local, state and federal agencies were battling the blaze.
They urged residents of Wild Acres Road and Wild Acres Retreat who are returning after the evacuation was lifted to remain cautious.
Haoe Lead Fire
Crews continued Monday to battle the Haoe Lead Fire, authorities said, noting it had grown slightly since Sunday.
The fire west of Robbinsville in the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness was estimated at 2,436 acres and 12% contained.
Firefighting operations involving over 150 personnel are expected to produce increased smoke throughout the day Monday, the U.S. Forest Service said.
The fire was caused by lightning April 12.
Several counties in the mountain region saw an outburst of wildfire activity last month during prolonged dry and windy conditions, burning thousands of acres.
