Last Updated on March 31, 2026 8:51 am
A large wildfire burning in Wilkes County reached 50 percent containment overnight, a significant improvement after crews battled the blaze through Monday as it grew to more than 600 acres.
As of a 6:15 a.m. Tuesday update from the NC Forest Service public viewer, the fire covers 600 acres and is 50 percent contained — up from 20 percent containment and 620 acres Monday afternoon. The fire is located near the Dehart community in Wilkes County, in the area of Halls Mills and the Roaring River.
The fire, tracked as incident 2602004895, has been one of the most active wildfires in the region over the past several days. It was first logged with no containment Sunday evening at 140 acres before growing to 350 acres Monday morning and reaching a peak of 620 acres Monday afternoon before crews began making progress.
A second, smaller Wilkes County fire, incident 2602004903, reached 90 percent containment Monday afternoon at 45 acres.
The NC Forest Service statewide burn ban remains in effect for all 100 North Carolina counties until further notice. All open burning is illegal under the ban. Violations carry a $100 fine plus $183 in court costs. Anyone responsible for starting a fire may also be liable for suppression costs.
For air quality information, visit fire.airnow.gov. Call 911 to report any wildfire activity.
📋 NC Forest Service
