Swannanoa Fire Department battling wildfire in Bee Tree

Approximately 15 acres burn while crews protect nearby homes

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
April 21, 2025

A Chinook helicopter fights a 15-acre brush fire in the Bee Tree community of Swannanoa, April 21. Photo courtesy of Swannanoa Fire Department

A brush fire in the Bee Tree community is expected to grow, April 21, as the Swannanoa Fire Department works to protect nearby homes.

The blaze, which consumed approximately 15 acres, as of 6 p.m., is 50% contained, according to officials.

Crews were battling the brush fire in the Long Branch area of the Swannanoa community, according SFD Deputy Chief Larry Pierson. The fire is expected to increase in size after burnout operations, which will consume fuels between containment lines and the main fire.

The area, which was severely impacted by Tropical Storm Helene, contains fallen trees and storm debris.

Bulldozers, helicopters, hand crews, engines and teams of wildland firefighters are “making progress” on the steep terrain, according to Pierson. Area residents are advised to avoid the area.

The fire comes at the height of an active season for the region and on the same day the SFD will host a fire prevention presentation at 216 Whitson Avenue. The safety program, presented in partnership with the Swannanoa Grassroots Alliance, will take place at 7:30 p.m., according to Pierson.

“This is important information for local residents,” he said. “Obviously, the danger is very real right now, so we encourage the community to come out and learn more about what they can do to protect their homes.”