North Carolina Forest Fire Burns 80 Acres in Macon County Near Franklin as Crews Work to Increase Containment
MACON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA — Firefighters are continuing efforts to contain a forest fire burning west of Franklin in Macon County, where the blaze has grown to approximately 80 acres and is currently about 30 percent contained.
Officials say the fire is located near U.S. Highway 64 and remains an active incident, with crews expected to continue suppression efforts over the next several days as conditions allow.
Fire Located Near Homes and Appalachian Trail
According to the update, the fire remains roughly one mile from the Appalachian Trail and approximately half a mile from nearby homes. While the fire is burning in close proximity to residential areas, officials confirm that no evacuations are in place at this time.
Fire managers continue to monitor the fire’s behavior closely to ensure it does not spread toward structures or critical infrastructure.
Smoke Visible in and Around Franklin
Smoke from the fire has been visible around the burn area and, at times, in the town of Franklin. Residents in surrounding communities may notice smoky conditions depending on wind direction and fire activity.
Officials advise residents to remain alert to changing conditions, particularly those with respiratory sensitivities who may be affected by smoke in the area.
Firefighting Efforts Ongoing Over Coming Days
Crews will continue working over the next several days to improve containment and limit the fire’s spread. Firefighters are using established control lines and ongoing monitoring to manage the situation safely.
Authorities emphasize that while progress has been made, the fire remains active and conditions could change as weather and terrain influence fire behavior.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed and share observations from their area as firefighting efforts continue. For ongoing updates and local coverage, visit SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
