Last Updated on May 21, 2026 8:52 pm
Firefighters made progress on the Old Highway 105 Fire on Thursday, increasing containment to 70% and holding the fire size to 12 acres.
The fire is burning on the Grandfather Ranger District in Pisgah National Forest, along NC Highway 105 in and near Linville Gorge. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
The fire received minimal rainfall overnight, with less than one-quarter inch falling over the fire area. The small amount of rain was not enough to wet the ground or extinguish the remaining flames. Higher humidity has reduced fire behavior, and most of the burning that remains is in larger downed trees and organic soil. More rainfall is needed to fully extinguish the sub-surface fire. Firefighters will continue monitoring and improving firelines.
Firefighters are responding from the USDA Forest Service, North Carolina Forest Service, Burke County Emergency Management, McDowell County Emergency Management, and local fire departments.
No trail closures are in place at this time. The Linville Gorge Wilderness area remains open.
If traveling in the area, please drive slowly with headlights on and watch for firefighters and equipment working along roadways.
Smoke should be minimal but may be visible from nearby communities and roads. For information about air quality, visit AirNow.gov or download the mobile app.
