Transylvania County officials have updated the public on the escalating wildfire situation across the county on March 28.
According to a release, the total acreage affected by the three wildfires in Transylvania County is as follows:
- Pisgah National Forest fire at Rattlesnake Branch Fire: estimated at 700 acres
- Persimmon Ridge fire from South Carolina: estimated at 2,000 acres
- Table Rock Fire from South Carolina: estimated at 9,000 acres
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The release said the North Carolina State Fire Service (NCSFS) confirmed that the fire line is primarily limited to the state line area, with a spot fire identified within North Carolina at Busted Rock.
As of midday on March 28, the NCSFS reported that all fire activity is currently confined to state forests.
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During a briefing on March 28, officials said that federal resources are being mobilized to assist with fire line tracking. Their latest information confirms the nearest fire is about half a mile from any structures.
Additionally, a unified command has been established to coordinate the response to the forest fires of concern within the county. Officials said this command enables responders to access additional resources and improves communication among teams.
"We do want to emphasize that misinformation can be dangerous," County Manager Jaime Laughter said. "We have had citizens try to provide information that is not part of emergency response, and that can be confusing to the public, and it can also create a dangerous situation."
The county announced it will provide three written updates each day, along with a midday in-person briefing.
County leaders stressed the importance of gathering information from reliable sources. These sources include the county website, the county Facebook page, the emergency services page, and the sheriff's office page and app.
The release said a multi-agency effort has been underway to prepare for potential forest fire spread into the county with coordination from local, state and federal leaders.
The release also said State Forest Service has been working with the blue strike team stationed in South Carolina to establish dozer break lines, conduct backburn activities, and other fire line control measures.
Resources arrived on March 27 from Fannin County, Georgia, from South Carolina, and from the Office of State Fire Marshall's Office.
According to the release, weather conditions are expected to pose challenges for fire control in the southern section of the state line in Transylvania County.
Officials say conditions can "change rapidly," and additional evacuations may be ordered.
While the evacuation boundary has not changed since it was issued on March 26, a total of 758 Structures are under mandatory evacuation, and an emergency shelter is open at Transylvania County Parks and Recreation at 1078 Ecusta Rd.
The release said RVs cannot be accommodated at the shelter; however, Mountain Falls RV Park is available to accept RVs.
Residents who have signed up for emergency alerts on the Transylvania County website will receive notifications of evacuation only if their address is impacted.
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Officials ask that residents only call 911 if they see active fire as smoky conditions throughout the county are expected.
All residents are encouraged to take proactive measures by registering their address and phone number in the county alert system. A tutorial to support sign-up will be released on March 28.
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Additionally, residents are advised to take preventive measures around their homes and vehicles by removing dry leaves and other debris that could be ignited by embers.STORY COURTESY OF ABC 13 WLOSTransylvania County wildfires threaten 10,000 plus acres, efforts intensify
