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Six WNC fire departments fight forest fire outside Blowing Rock

BLOWING ROCK, N.C. — The Watauga County Sheriff's Office said six Western North Carolina fire departments are fighting a fire outside of Blowing Rock.

No homes are within immediate threat of the fire, though there are homes and campers in the area, officials said. Departments from Watauga, Wilkes and Caldwell counties are responding to the large woods fire. 

The N.C. Forest Service is helping, while also fighting a Beaver Creek controlled burn. Fire departments responding included Stewarts Simmons, Blowing Rock, Boone, Champion, Yadkin Valley and Patterson. Watauga Rescue and the Red Cross were helping firefighters who were battling the blaze.

The American Red Cross is sending food for 60 firefighters Friday evening. Ash from the fire is falling as far as Wilson's Ridge. 

The Sheriff's Office said there are plans to have crews fighting the fire on Sunday. Officials were not sure how large the fire is, but believe it to be well over an acre.