Last Updated on April 22, 2026 5:09 pm
UPDATE — 5:05 p.m.: Avery County Emergency Management says crews are now on scene of the brush fire near Beams Hill, with a significant multi-agency response underway.
Resources on scene include the NC Forest Service, the majority of Avery County fire departments, Mitchell County resources, spotter planes in the air, two helicopters performing water drops, Avery County EMS, and Linville Rescue.
The size of the fire is still being determined as additional resources are deployed.
Emergency officials say the road closure on US 19E has been expanded. US 19E is now closed from the Old Joe Howell store to the Avery/Mitchell county line at Mayland.
Residents in the vicinity of the fire will be notified via Reverse 911 if any action is needed. Avery County Emergency Management is asking the public to stay clear of the area so emergency crews can do their jobs.
Source: Avery County Emergency Management
Two separate wildfires flared up across the High Country on Wednesday afternoon, April 22 — one prompting a road closure at the Avery-Mitchell county line and another forcing the closure of a farm in Ashe County.
Avery/Mitchell County Line — US 19E Closed
A wildfire near the Avery-Mitchell county line has prompted a road closure on US 19E at Gouges Creek, according to the Mitchell County Fire Marshal and Emergency Management.
US 19E is closed at 19E and Gouges Creek due to the wildfire burning near the Avery-Mitchell line. Drivers should detour via Gouges Creek Road to Hanging Rock Road into Avery County.
Fire departments, the NC Forest Service, and Watauga County crews are on scene. Motorists should exercise caution in the area.
Ashe County — Bluff View Farms Closed
A separate construction-induced forest fire has forced Bluff View Farms at 115 Calhoun Road in West Jefferson to close.
In a Facebook post Wednesday afternoon, the farm said all entries are blocked and asked the public to stay away and use caution. Fire crews are on scene.
Elevated Fire Danger
Both incidents come on a day when the National Weather Service has flagged increased fire danger across the High Country and western North Carolina. Relative humidity is dropping into the 20 to 30 percent range Wednesday afternoon, with wind gusts of 15 to 25 mph. Low humidity, gusty winds, and very dry vegetation are creating an elevated threat for the rapid spread of wildfires.
A statewide burn ban issued by the NC Forest Service remains in effect. All outdoor burning is prohibited.
WataugaOnline will update as more information becomes available.
Sources: Avery County Emergency Management, Mitchell County Fire Marshal, Bluff View Farms, National Weather Service
