Last Updated on April 3, 2026 10:33 am
A lightning-caused wildfire broke out Thursday afternoon on the Grandfather Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest, approximately five miles south of Blowing Rock.
The U.S. Forest Service reports the Mills Creek Fire has burned 2.5 acres. Firefighters responded with a ground crew that hiked to the fire and a helicopter conducting water drops. Crews are continuing to cool hot spots and secure the fire edge as they work toward containment. A containment percentage was not immediately available.
The cause of the fire has been confirmed as a lightning strike.
The Mills Creek Fire is one of several wildfires burning across western North Carolina. Earlier this week, the Jumping Branch Fire in McDowell County reached 420 acres and is 80 percent contained. The Cane Creek Fire in Wilkes County, which burned more than 600 acres, is 90 percent contained as of Wednesday evening. The Poplar Fire in Mitchell County is 100 percent contained.
A statewide burn ban remains in effect across all 100 North Carolina counties. All open burning is prohibited until further notice.
Updates will be posted as more information becomes available.
Source: U.S. Forest Service — National Forests in North Carolina
