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2023 Black Bear Fire

Unit Information

North Carolina 
160A Zillicoa Street 
Asheville, 
28801 
North Carolina 
160A Zillicoa Street 
Asheville, 
28801 

Incident Contacts

National Forests in North Carolina
Phone: (828) 767-5399
Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Highlights December 4, 2023: There was increased fire activity on the Black Bear Fire beginning on December 1, 2023. Fire crews were monitoring containment and working in the area when they noticed that the fire had moved across Snowbird Creek, through 1000-hour fuels. The estimated size of the fire grew by 120 acres. Crews recovered containment lines and secured the area around Snowbird Creek and Painter Branch in the days that followed. They will continue to monitor and secure firelines throughout the week.

Closures December 4, 2023: The section of the Appalachian Trail from I-40 to Brown Gap Rd. remains closed. Brown Gap Road will also remain closed for firefighter safety as crews continue to work in the area. 

Basic Information
Current as of Wed, 12/06/2023 - 11:01
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Human
Date of Origin
Location 3 miles east of the Tennessee/North Carolina line, on the North side of I-40
Coordinates 35° 45' 20'' Latitude
-83° 3'
18
'' Longitude
Current Situation
Total Personnel: 36
Size 2,008 Acres
Percent of Perimeter Contained 90%
Estimated Containment Date 12/13/2023
Fuels Involved

Dormant Brush
Hardwood Slash
Hardwood Litter

Fuels include fresh leaf drop in hardwood timber litter, woody shrub and shrub litter fuels, and pockets of long-needle timber litter. All fuels are dry, with severe drought conditions locally. Live fuels are seasonally drought stressed and contributing to fire behavior.