Single Publication

Black Bear Fire
Daily Update – Tuesday, November 21, 2023
Southern Area Blue CIMT 

1,888 acres | 42% containment | 195 personnel assigned

Highlights: Crews completed the handline along the Groundhog Creek drainage east of the fire completing all primary containment line preparation. Despite winds last night, fire behavior was minimal and containment lines were not tested by the fire. Today will bring breezy conditions and rain, further moderating fire behavior. While flames may not be visible, fuels will continue to smolder, and smoke will be visible.

This will be the final update on the Black Bear Fire from the Southern Area Incident Management Team Blue Team. The National Forests in North Carolina will assume command of the incident on Wednesday, November 22.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nfsnc/

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/ncncf-2023-black-bear-fire

Weather: Heavy rain and gusty winds today with potential for winds from the south and southeast gusting 40-50 mph at times on exposed ridges. Periods of torrential rain could lead to reduced visibility with gusty winds increasing driving hazards. West to northwest winds develop this evening and overnight following the passage of a cold front. Northwest flow over the mountains and lingering moisture will lead to cloudy skies and areas of light rain on Wednesday.

Fire Behavior: Surface fuels will not support active fire spread with wind today. Scattered heavy fuels, such as log ends, snags, and stump holes, will retain heat and may provide a source of ignition in the event of drying in the future. Flare-ups and increased fire activity will not occur with wind. Fire behavior today will be minimal.

Air Quality: No smoke impacts anticipated today. For information regarding smoke impacts and what you can do to protect yourself, visit the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Air Quality Portal at airquality.climate.ncsu.edu/.

Burn Bans: Fire restrictions remain in place to help minimize the chances of human-caused wildland fires. These restrictions prohibit campfires outside of established recreation and wilderness areas. www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/nfsnc/alerts-notices.

Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR): There is a flight restriction over the fire area and drones are also prohibited. If you fly, we can't!

Evacuations: None.

Closures: For public and firefighter safety, a closure order is in effect over the fire area. This includes Cold Springs, Harmon Den Mountain, Groundhog, Hickory Ridge, and Skiffely Creek, Chestnut, Carmicheal, and Snowbird Roads. The Appalachian Trail is closed from I-40 to Brown Gap. You can find more information at linktr.ee/blackbearfire. Road closures are in effect for Cold Springs Road and Brown Gap Road. Impacts to travel along Interstate 40 are expected. Check current road conditions at drivenc.gov.