Winding Stairs Alpha Fire 90% Contained in Nantahala National Forest

Firefighters have reached 90% containment on the Winding Stairs Alpha Fire burning in the Nantahala National Forest, according to officials. The wildfire has burned approximately 230 acres.

Crews made significant progress Tuesday, building handlines and dozer lines along the western edge of the fire while conducting mop-up operations on the northeastern perimeter. Firefighters also completed a small, carefully planned firing operation along U.S. Highway 64 to strengthen the highway as a control line and reduce the potential for additional fire spread.

Rain moved through the Winding Stairs Alpha Fire area in Macon County overnight, with more precipitation expected throughout the day. Officials say the rainfall should further assist suppression efforts.

Fire crews and equipment remain active along Highway 64, and drivers are urged to use caution when traveling through the area.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Investigators are asking anyone who was traveling along Highway 64 between 9:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. Monday morning to submit photos showing the start of the fire. Images can be emailed to derik.breedlove@usda.gov.

Smoke from the fire may continue to cause limited visibility and could impact local air quality. Motorists are advised to slow down and use caution on roadways where smoke may settle. Air quality alerts are available at airquality.climate.ncsu.edu and fire.airnow.gov.

For the latest wildfire updates, the public can follow the U.S. Forest Service – National Forests in North Carolina on Facebook or visit fs.usda.gov/r08/northcarolina.