AVERY COUNTY, N.C. — A wildfire in Avery County continues to burn on Thursday with 65% containment, according to the North Carolina Forest Service. At least 70 acres have burned.
Channel 9 has been tracking the fire since it first broke out around 2:30 p.m. Thursday, and crews said conditions are making it extremely difficult to slow the flames.
Officials believe the fire started when sparks from a catalytic converter ignited dry brush.
They say leftover debris from Hurricane Helene, including downed limbs and damaged trees, is helping fuel the blaze and causing it to spread rapidly.
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The fire is burning near Highway 19 East, close to several homes. Most residents were told to shelter in place, while a few elderly neighbors were asked to voluntarily evacuate as a precaution.
Michael Shook, who lives nearby, said on Thursday that he rushed home after his wife called to warn him the flames were approaching.
“I’ve lived in that house for 22 years. I could see fire back through there,” Shook said.
Firefighters from multiple counties and even out of state responded. Some engines were positioned directly beside homes in case the fire shifted.
Avery County Fire Marshal Paul Buchanan said on Thursday that crews were prepared for the worst.
“Our conditions are extremely dry and extremely ripe for a large wildfire,” Buchanan explained. “By the time the first unit got on scene, the fire was jumping both sides of the road.”
Despite the fast‑moving flames, no structures were damaged and no injuries were reported. Shook said he relied on faith as he watched the fire approach.
“A lot of praying. You can get another house, you can’t get your family back,” he said.
The North Carolina Forest Service warned earlier this month that debris left behind by Hurricane Helene could increase wildfire risk for 10 to 20 years.
Damaged trees and fallen limbs create a thick layer of fuel, allowing fires that might normally burn 10–20 acres to spread across 50–100 acres instead.
VIDEO: Residents told to shelter in place as wildfire spreads
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