Last Updated on November 18, 2025 1:38 pm
Tuesday, November 18, 1:15 PM – The Avery County Sheriff's Office wants to update the public on the fire from last night. The fire is contained and under control. Fire crews from Avery County and adjoining jurisdictions along with the Fire Marshal's Office and NC Forest Service are implementing ongoing fire control measures around the area of the fire. Please be aware of this operation and drive with caution as you travel Banner Elk Highway between Elk Park and Banner Elk.
Tuesday, Nov 18, 9 am – Update from Lees-McRae – “Avery County officials have reopened Banner Elk Highway. The Elk Valley Preserve and Field Station has reopened. Students and employees should use caution when traveling in the area.”
The last posted update from the North Carolina Forest Service Wildfire Public Viewer was posted Monday night. The acres stood at 120 acres, and 50% contained.
Monday Nov 17, 2025 5:21pm – The Avery County Sheriff's Office are requesting the public's assistance. Fire fighters from multiple departments are battling a woods brush fire near 1688 Banner Elk Highway near Horney Creek Road.
The fire is 20+ acres and is currently not contained. NC 194 is shut down from Sam Eller Road to Edgar Tuft Road. PLEASE AVOID THIS AREA IF POSSIBLE due to a large presence of emergency vehicle traffic along with firefighters in close proximity to the roadway.
Update from the North Carolina Forest Service Wildfire Public Viewer.
Wildfire fire fighting efforts in Avery county near Elk River. Video via Valerie Miller Parrella #wncwx #ncwx pic.twitter.com/4HE8dn7kO5
— Brad Panovich (@wxbrad) November 17, 2025
Wildfire near Banner Elk and Beech Mountain.Very close to the Elk River Airport. #wncwx #ncwx #wildfire #ncwx pic.twitter.com/m2IqVVLNcv
— Brad Panovich (@wxbrad) November 17, 2025
The wildfire from Eagles Nest in Avery County near Banner Elk and Elk River area. via Karen Gaeta #wncwx #ncwx #wildfire pic.twitter.com/xB4dOkqgrr
— Brad Panovich (@wxbrad) November 17, 2025
