According to the North Carolina Forest Service website, the “Coyote Fire,” a 730-acre wildfire, is now mostly contained at Crowders Mountain State Park.
As of Monday afternoon, the fire was 95% contained, according to Gaston County officials. According to the N.C. Forest Service, a burnout operation was performed to burn fuel in the fire to help control it.
The Crowders Mountain fire and another in McDowell County were brought under control thanks to rain on Sunday night and Monday.
According to Gaston County officials, the fire was found at 7 a.m. by Crowders Mountain State Park employees. About 70 acres had already been lost at that moment.
Because the fire was in a rural area, no structures were damaged, allowing firefighters to gradually reduce the fire over time.
“There is an increase in fire activity. There were 236 wildfires in North Carolina in October, 282 wildfires in November, and about 194 wildfires in December, according to the North Carolina Forest Service on Monday.
The North Carolina Forest Service said it was investigating what caused the Crowders Mountain fire in Gaston County, west of Charlotte.
Crowders Mountain Fire & Rescue stated on Facebook that the fire was not caused by a controlled burn.
Buck Creek Wildfire
Firefighters are fighting the “Buck Creek Fire” in Lake Tahoma in Marion, North Carolina, which spans Mitchel and McDowell counties.
As of Monday afternoon, the US Forest Service reported that around 75% of the 530 acres were contained. The recent rain had assisted in bringing the fire under control.
According to officials, the fire began because of a downed electrical line. According to officials, Saturday was devoted safeguarding property and laying fire lines.
“This managed burning removes much of the remaining fuels within the firelines, such as leaf litter and downed branches,” noted the U.S. Forest Service. “Without these fuels, fire spread is slowed and firelines become more effective for control.”
More than 90 firefighters are battling the wildfire on Monday. More rain is forecasted, which should aid in putting out the fire.
They have informed the public that smoke will be present as they continue to add firelines.
The North Carolina Forest Service has reiterated its advice to use caution when burning and, if feasible, to wait until households receive significant rain before doing so.