Fire threat poses danger to the Swannanoa Valley
Red Flag Warning issued as multiple wildfires burn in WNC
Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
March 28, 2025
The Black Mountain Fire Department is advising residents to practice fire safety, as a Red Flag Warning and Code RED air quality action day are issued, March 28, while wildfires burn throughout the region. Photo by Fred McCormick
Dry and windy conditions throughout Western N.C., where seven active wildfires have consumed a total of thousands of acres of forested land, as of March 28, have prompted a Red Flag Warning from the National Weather Service - Greenville Spartanburg office.
Residents of the Swannanoa Valley are encouraged to exercise caution, while a state-wide burn ban is in effect.
The spring wildfire season has experienced an increase in wildfire activity, due to low relative humidity, which is a key factor in the fire behavior, according to a March 20 press release issued by the N.C. Forest Service. The metric compares the amount of moisture present in the air to the maximum amount it can hold at a given temperature
“Wildfires thrive in low-relative humidity conditions. When the air is dry—typically below 30%—vegetation loses moisture, becoming highly flammable,” the N.C. Forest Service stated. “Fine fuels like grass, leaves and small twigs dry out quickly, creating the perfect conditions for a fire to ignite and spread rapidly.”
Wildfires are active in Swain, Jackson and Haywood Counties, according to the N.C. Wildfire Public Viewer, while three larger blazes continue to burn in Polk County. Within Buncombe County, a wildfire in Leicester has been almost completely contained. The Table Rock Fire, which originated in S.C., has expanded into Transylvania County.
The Black Mountain Fire Department urges residents to practice safety and vigilance, according to a press release issued, March 26.
“We all have a responsibility to help prevent wildfires and protect our community,” BMFD Chief John Coffey said in the update. “Wildfires can spread rapidly, endangering lives, homes, and natural resources. However, by taking simple precautions, we can reduce the risk and ensure the safety of our neighborhoods.”
The department recommends that citizens avoid any outdoor burning, including campfires, fire pits and debris piles and safely dispose of flammable materials. Clearing property of leaves and dry brush is also advised.
“Prepare your household now in the event that you must leave suddenly,” BMFD said. “Plan your evacuation route now.”
Homes near wood lines are encouraged to clean all combustible materials within 25-50 of the structures, keep firewood, gasoline or kerosene oil away from decks and patios and clear any flammable materials from oil or propane tanks.
Buncombe County has issued a Code RED Air Quality Action Day, advising residents of unhealthy air quality. Sensitive groups, including people with heart or lung diseases, older adults, children and pregnant women should avoid long or intense outdoor activities.
Buncombe County Schools canceled all athletic events scheduled for March 28.