05/16/2026
🚨 BRUSH FIRE UPDATE 🚨
The brush fire has now grown to approximately 12 acres. At this time, Melton Branch Road and the housing community of Shoot Out Mountain are now under a “SET” status according to the Ready, Set, Go Wildfire Action Plan.
⚠️ THERE ARE CURRENTLY NO ACTIVE EVACUATIONS ⚠️
However, this is a WARNING for residents to be prepared if conditions worsen and we move into a “GO” status. If we transition to evacuations, you will be notified via The Mitchell Ready App, Hyperreach, Our Facebook, and we also would go door to door. A shelter will be provided at Bowman Middle School (410 South Mitchell Ave, Bakersville, NC 28705)
Residents in the affected areas should:
-Pack bags and have them ready
-Prepare vehicles and evacuation plans
Stay alert for updates from emergency officials
Remember the “P’s” when evacuating:
-People & Pets
-Papers, Phone Numbers & Important Documents
-Prescriptions, Vitamins & Eyeglasses
-Pictures & Irreplaceable Memorabilia
-Personal Computers & Hard Drives
-Plastic (credit/debit cards) & Cash
Fork mountain fire and rescue and the North Carolina Forest Services responded to the reported brush fire in the vicinity of 1261 beans creek road.
Multiple fire departments from Mitchell, Avery and Yancey counties have been on scene since the initial reports of a brush fire.
Fork Mountain Fire and rescue and Green Valley Fire and Rescue and the North Carolina Forest Service will be patrolling the fire overnight as fire fighting operations continue
If you see any fire activity you believe the Fire Department is not aware of or is in the immediate vicinity of your home, please don’t hesitate to call 911 and report it.
Please continue to monitor local emergency management and fire department updates closely. Do not wait until the last minute to prepare.
