MARION, N.C. — As of Saturday afternoon, firefighters have fully contained the Huntsville Mountain Fire on Pogue Mountain in McDowell County, officials said.
Crews initially responded to the fire Tuesday afternoon and worked through the evening to control the flames. North Carolina Forest Service officials estimated that 436 acres of land had been burned.
The forest service called in aerial support earlier in the week because of the rugged terrain, and firefighters made more than half a dozen water drops from a helicopter.
“We haven’t had any rain out here, so it’s pretty concerning, especially with the leaves,” resident Brittaney Deleon said. “Lot of leaves on the ground and you know how quick they are to catch fire.”
[ ALSO READ: Escaped campfire blamed for contained Pilot Mountain blaze ]
Approximately 37 personnel resources continued working to fight this fire. N.C. Forest Service aviation resources were available to support suppression efforts as needed.
Fire crews will continue to patrol and monitor the area until it rains.
Authorities have determined the fire originated from hunting activities. Hunting is not allowed in any state park, recreation area or natural area.
On Monday, a statewide burn ban was issued due to dangerous fire conditions across the state.
[ ALSO READ: Forest Service issues burn ban in North Carolina due to hazardous forest fire conditions ]
A local burn ban remains in effect for McDowell County, further restricting any open burning within 100 feet of an occupied house or apartment.
“With the current conditions, a burn ban is necessary to reduce the risk of outside fires spreading quickly.” McDowell County Fire Marshal Andrew Pressley said. “Our top priority is always to protect lives, property and forestland across the county.”
All active burning permits have been canceled. The burn ban is expected to remain in place until dry conditions no longer pose a serious fire threat in McDowell County.
(WATCH BELOW: Wildfire burns hundreds of acres in Pilot Mountain State Park)
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