Firefighters Battle Wind-Driven Wildfires in WNC

Western North Carolina -- March 28, 2022: High winds and low humidity have helped drive wildfires in North Carolina.

The National Park Service, the North Carolina Forest Service, the Bryson City Fire Department and the Bureau of Indian Affairs are all working together to contain two fires in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that they have dubbed the Thomas Divide Complex Fire. The blazes, which started on Saturday at around 4pm, consist of a 140-acre fire called Stone Pile and a 170-acre fire known as Cooper Creek.

Both fires were caused by power lines knocked down by strong gusts of wind. As of late Saturday evening, crews had managed to contain 10% of both blazes. The NC Forest Service said that "15 to 20 homes near Stone Pile Gap Road, Coopers Creek Road, and McCracken Road have been evacuated." Two abandoned trailers were also destroyed in the fire.

Wnctimes will follow the story and bring you updates.

Wnctimes by Marjorie Farrington

Photo: Bryson City Fire Department