Fire in Pisgah National Forest grows to 375 acres

NEBO, N.C. — The U.S. Forest Service says a fire in the McDowell County portion of Pisgah National Forest has reached 375 acres.

The forest service says the Bald Knob fire, burning north of Marion, was reported on July 17 in a remote area near Dobson Knob, north of Lake James.

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Officials say a shift in wind direction has pushed smoke from the fire to drift to the south, impacting areas around Marion and Nebo. Residents report seeing and smelling smoke as far south as Rutherfordton. The officials say residents in those areas can expect to see smoke from the fire for several weeks due to drought conditions in the area.

While the exact cause of the fire isn't known, officials think lightning may have played a factor.

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