Firefighters at Collett Ridge Fire take advantage as rain sets in

The Collett Ridge Fire passed the 5,000 acre mark as firefighters seek to capitalize on wet weather conditions.  Here is the full daily report:

Daily Update | November 10, 2023

Good morning from the Collett Ridge Fire and a very Happy Birthday to any Marines reading this!

Information: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/ncncf-2023-collett-ridge-fire

5,116 acres | 5% containment | 178 personnel assigned

Highlights: The Southern Area Blue Incident Management Team assumed command of the fire at 8:00 a.m. today, Friday, November 10, 2023.

Firefighters are assessing structure protection needs for communities to the northwest of the fire in the McClellan Creek area. Engines remain on scene throughout the night to provide point protection as needed. Crews continue to establish handline and dozer lines to the northwest of the fire from Snyder Creek to Polecat Creek. To the south firefighters are strengthening and securing the containment line along Fires Creek Road and when weather permits, are utilizing strategic firing operations to reduce unburned vegetation between the fire and the containment line. Crews are finishing handline to the northeast in the Kimsey Cove area. To the north firefighters continue to patrol the area near the communities of Bolden Branch and Lord’s Way and perform mop-up operations, such as extinguishing any lingering hotspots, as needed.

Resources assigned to the fire includes, three 20-person handcrews, Type 4 and 6 Engines; Dozers; and Water Tenders. Aerial resources include helicopters and fixed wing aircraft.

Weather & Fire Behavior: Light rain is expected over the fire area today along with increased humidity, clouds, and cooler temperature. This trend will continue through the weekend with the possibility of light rain on Sunday. Until sufficient rain occurs, fire activity and growth are expected to continue with areas of heavy fuels potentially causing flareups.  

Air Quality: Smoke may occur in nearby communities. Air quality information provided by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality is available at www.airquality.climate.ncsu.edu/. 

Burn Bans: Due to increased fire risk, the N.C. Forest Service has issued a ban on all open burning until further notice in several counties in western North Carolina. For more information visit https://www.ncforestservice.gov/fire_control/sit_report.htm.

The U.S. Forest Service has implemented fire restrictions across the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests. To view the closure order visit www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/nfsnc/alerts-notices.

Temporary Flight Restriction: A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the Collett Ridge Fire area. If you fly, we can’t. Aircraft or drone intrusions into the restricted airspace endangers aircrews conducting fire operations and aerial resources are grounded for safety. This unnecessarily places aircrews and ground fire crews at risk in a dynamic and dangerous fire environment.

Closures: For public and firefighter safety the following road and area closures are in effect due to increased fire activity and suppression operations in the area from Big Stamp east to Shinbone Ridge to Signal Bald and a road closure is in effect from the intersection of Little Fires Creek Road, 340B, and Fires Creek Road, 340. The Rim Trail is temporarily closed for approximately 7 miles from Big Stamp to Shinbone.